“I’m on a Journey but the destination has never been seen.”-Joy MarilieEclectic. That’s how I’d describe the music I listen to and write. Motown, R&B. Hip Hop, Alternative rock, and Classical are a few of the genres of music that spun on my disc man before reaching adulthood. They shaped my musical tastes and influence my song writing and teaching style today.I’m an elementary school music teacher. I have been for 12 years. I was born and raised in Jamaica Queens, NY and have been a musician my entire life. I attended the Brooklyn Music School at age 4, attended LaGuardia High School of the Arts and majored in music education at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.I switched gears slightly and majored in Early Education for my Master’s Degree. Growing up, I was surrounded by educators, including my mother, grandmother and all three of my god-mothers. So entering the education field was only natural.As an educator in primarily urban settings, I found ways to make music engaging for students and their families by exposing them to music theory and music of different genres and time periods while also bringing pop and urban feeling music into the classroom, especially during performances. Since there isn’t a lot of urban sounding music specifically written for children out there, I began writing my own music for my students to perform. Writing children’s music that would entertain families and engage children became my niche.My 1st upcoming album “Journey” was a calling. I’ve been so passionate about teaching for so long that I never imagined all of the ways in which my musical endeavors would evolve. Performing was never something I actively sought. In recent years, songs just started coming to me, consuming me even. After writing and producing nearly 50 songs over the last two years, it became clear to me that I had to do whatever it took to get my songs heard by an audience larger than my classroom.No matter how old you are or where you are on your life’s journey, I’m sure you will find something on this album that will inspire you and/or make you move. I hope you enjoy my music enough to share it with friends, the children in your lives, and that my “Journey” inspires you for years to come.