Why do you care about songwriting as a craft and why do you care about building the TERRA Community? What does it all mean to you?

The craft of songwriting is a spiritual practice for me. It is how I explore and express the experiences that I carry forward. Music is in my bones and I truly do not get tired of talking, dancing, laughing, crying, and living about music.

The TERRA community is an absolute hidden gem. Since attending my first retreat in 2019, I have continually been inspired and encouraged by the incredible people that are dedicated to practicing the craft of song. There is such a sense of joy in sharing a brand new song with people who can appreciate the act of carving something real out of your imagination and it shows in this community.

Have you had a mentor in the past? How do you think that affects your perspective as a mentor?

Mentors are so important to find! I have found that they can be helpful in ways that pay dividends for years, even decades. I view a mentor as someone who has been through the journey already and can be a cheerleader, a sounding board, a safe space to practice and fail, and someone who can believe in you even when you don’t.

What are you proud of in your songwriting and how can that help others build the same strengths?

I believe each song creates its own little world that listeners can escape into and I’m proud of my ability to dial in the components of that world. Lyrics, melody and groove are core building blocks for any song, but as a mentor I’d hope to instill a confidence in gut reactions. There are a million tiny decisions to make for each song and we can always develop ways to better trust our instincts and move on to the next decision.

What do you think your standout skills are for mentoring?

I like to hold space for deep connection and understanding so my mentees feel seen and heard. I also like to ask the question, “why” to get to the root of a story, feeling, or vibe. I also have 10+ years of production and home studio recording experience focusing specifically on acoustic instruments in small spaces.

What skills outside of songwriting would you like to share?

Production (Logic/Protools), arrangement/harmony, home studio acoustics and soundproofing, website design, live performance tips and tricks

How Much do you charge for an hour-long session?

$60