Available to hire
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, with jazz and gospel training, and I am internationally respected as a Black Queer musical collagist drawing inspiration from ancestral centuries of sound, channeling spirits, and delivering the stories of love, loss, and lives.
Unapologetically unconventional, I am an artist, teacher, and activist, where art and activism intertwine seamlessly. I have a lifelong hunger for craft, connection, cultural narratives, and an indefatigable thirst to serve as an agape griot to a waiting and hurting people.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Vocal, Choir, and Musicianship Instructor at Oakland School for the Arts
January 1, 2020 - October 2, 2025Middle School classroom management, music theory, basic musicianship, aural skills, foundational choir, high school songwriting, youth artist retreats, concert production, and promotion. Collaborations with Oakland Museum and The Oakland Spirit Orchestra.
Vocal, Choir, and Musicianship Instructor at Oakland School for the Arts
January 1, 2021 - PresentMiddle School classroom management, music theory, basic musicianship, aural skills, foundational choir, high school songwriting, youth artist retreats, concert production, and promotion. Collaborations with Oakland Museum and The Oakland Spirit Orchestra.
Vocal & Private Instructor at East Bay Center for Performing Arts
January 1, 2021 - October 2, 2025Classroom management, sound awareness, audience development, basic choral musicianship, vocal ensemble director, after-school enrichment instructor elementary-high school, summer intensive arts program instructor.
Music Production / Choir Director at SisterSong Reproductive Justice Coalition
January 1, 2019 - October 2, 2025Music composition, choir director, vocal instruction, choir management, virtual rehearsal leader.
Support Teacher & Choir Instructor at Urban Montessori Charter School
January 1, 2015 - October 2, 2025Elementary-Middle School classroom management, support lead teacher, vocal music instruction, school-wide assembly management, active listening, communication, conflict resolution, creativity, critical thinking, customer service, decision making, field trip planning, inspire, comfort and build self-esteem.
Vocal Music & Piano Teacher at McClymonds High School
January 1, 2006 - October 2, 2025High school classroom management, music appreciation, basic piano, choir, and monthly community artist talks and salons in collaboration with 510 Oakland/Elevate Oakland.
Support Service Coordinator at Sexual Minority Alliance of Alameda
January 1, 2006 - October 2, 2025General correspondence and reception; managed heavy phones, filing and data entry; weekly group facilitation; staff scheduling; event planning; field trips; salons, performances, and life skills training.
Music Director at Embodiment Dance Company and MoonCandy Collaboration
January 1, 2009 - PresentMusic director for Embodiment Dance Company and MoonCandy Collaboration.
Event Producer/Curator/Performer at National Queer Arts Festival
January 1, 2021 - October 2, 2025The Song Sanctuary Virtual Production Event producer, curator, and performing artist.
Performer/Composer at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
January 1, 2020 - October 2, 2025Endurance, Hope and Community Commissions; hour-long performance featuring Valerie Troutt JazzSoul Trio, Joyce Lee, and See Through Soul.
Artist in Residence at ZooLabs Artist Incubator Program
January 1, 2019 - October 2, 2025Find Your Light: Recorded a full-length album centering the wellness of Black women.
Lead and Composer at City of Oakland Cultural Fund Awards MoonCandy Community Choir
January 1, 2018 - October 2, 2025Lead and composed music for 25 voices; performed 3 shows.
Performer/Producer at National Queer Arts Festival
January 1, 2018 - October 2, 2025They Wore Love and Resistance; Yoshi’s Oakland produced a show at Yoshi’s Oakland featuring local LGBTQIA BIPOC musicians; Blackberri, Melani Demore, Gina Breedlove, Tory Teasley, and Tammy Hall.
Composer/Performer at Eastside Arts Alliance
January 1, 2016 - October 2, 2025BLUES ARRIVAL: STORIES OF THE QUEER BLACK SOUTH & MIGRATION; composed and performed live music for two sold-out shows.
Musician/Workshop Leader at Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Show
January 1, 2019 - October 2, 2025Live music performances and workshops on African-American survival music.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies, Vocal Performance at The New School University, Jazz & Contemporary Music Program of New York
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2002Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
Experience Level
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