My musical journey began at the age of eight when I discovered my passion for piano in the welcoming embrace of my church. As a teenager, I fell in love with jazz, igniting a creative spark within me that led me to become the pianist for the renowned Kevin Hayden trio at just 17 years old. My education at Northern Illinois University further expanded my musical horizons, exposing me to a diverse range of musical disciplines from Western classical to West African rhythms and Middle Eastern melodies. These influences profoundly shaped my perspective, infusing my compositions with a harmonious blend of cultural nuances and innovative sounds.