Student Spotlight

What kind of art do you make? What inspires you?

I am a jazz musician but I love all types of music. To say there is one type of influence is to be prejudiced to everything that surrounds me. I am touched by creation, by friends, a warm cup of tea. I like to think that my life has its own soundtrack. As an artist, my soundtrack can jump genres every minute, three in one sometimes. Bring it all on, I will sing it!

When in your life did you first become involved in your artistic discipline?
What influenced you to become involved in the arts?

Growing up I was actually never the "Singer" or even a musician. My brother was known to the whole community as having all the talent. I was the 'actor' I was always fighting for the spotlight like a good sibling does and it wasn't until I started getting into musicals in high school and later finding the jazz world so fascinating that I truly got interested in music full time.

What are your current projects?

I just finished recording my first demo cd, and I was so proud of how good it has turned out. I am constantly networking and have learned that it is my ability to speak with people that truly has gotten me as far as I am. It is all about who you know. So get to know all your connections today! You never know who may be sitting next to you in class.

Where are you from? How is Seattle different?

I originally come from California, but I was a baby, good old middletown USA is my hometown (missouri). Although this June I will have lived in Seattle 8 years so I am pretty much an active thread in this culture. Seattle is POSSIBILITY, I am sad for all those I know who feel they have none. It is everywhere, it is the moist air, in the snow capped mountains, everywhere.

Why did you choose to come to Cornish?

It jumped in my lap. I was meeting with a counselor for another arts college, and the lady asked what I wanted for my future, I told her and she pulled up the Cornish website and pulled up application. She told me this is where I belonged.

What has been your experience here?

I have found my voice. Not the voice of my inspirations, or the voice of the critics. I have learned to look past the voices of competition and 'reason'... I found me. I love the uniqness of just being me.

What quirky hobbies do you have?

I don't think any hobby can be called quirky, seeing as people say they do everything these days, but I can say as an artist, by medium is not strictly music. I started as a painter, won several awards for oils and water color. I also am a working florist for five years now and have my own wedding business. We must always be NETWORKING!

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

I am very interested in continuing to represent my school in the local and national community. We have a great treasure here at Cornish and I want the nation to know! I also want to own my own club. I have several ideas, but they are top secret right now. Ask me in five years.

What would you tell a prospective student about Cornish?

Be confidant enough to begin, then humble yourself to learn all that you can while you are here. The years are fleeting and you will want to come back and start over. TAKE ADVANTAGE of the resources! Your teachers WANT YOU to succeed! They are amazingly available.

What is your creative process?

I really just try and remember that I love music all the time. Listen to what I need to learn, get influenced! And I have to work my butt off to learn the details, it's not so natural for me, but I figured they took a chance on me, I have to too.