I was born in Seattle and grew up in Bothell, Washington in what used to be a small burg north of Seattle. I was the youngest of 5 children and consequently hopelessly spoiled.

My musical training began with piano lessons at 6. My mom tells me I was singing the alto part to hymns before I could read the words. However, someone noticed my beautiful yet piercing voice and made a comment to my mom about it while I was present. Thus ended my singing career until college.

Growing up I could listen to any note or chord and instantly play it on the piano. I don’t remember ever not being able to do that. Such is the nature of perfect pitch – you can’t work at it, no matter what that cheesy guy in the trade mag adverts tells you. You come that way from the factory, although my friend Patrick Fata thinks all babies are born with it, but it’s lost early on.

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