When I was in 5th grade, my family wrote our first song together, which we performed at our church's annual Christmas service. I remember that afterward, a man came up and told us about how hard and difficult his year had been, and that the song had given him a sense of hope in his life. The feeling of being able to create something that could instantly connect with someone, and give them hope was unlike anything I had ever felt, and even at my young age I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life.

In seventh grade, being in a room full of long-haired Californian boys noodling around on Led Zeppelin songs became my norm.

Though I always loved playing mandolin and singing high harmonies in the family band, and once I hit Jr. High, bluegrass was no longer “cool enough” so my dad introduced me to electric guitar.

From then until college, I was obsessed, loving every part of practicing, playing, and learning more about this instrument and it definitely helped having my dad, an insane chicken picker/ shredder, there to mentor me! He and my mom were always there to tell me what to expect when playing in groups, bring me in to sit in with his bands, sign me up for camps and group lessons (I loved!). My dad also gave me lessons, which served as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

When I moved to Nashville for college though, I found that being a female presented some challenges in the world of guitar. Being a woman in the music industry can be hard, especially when I was trying to be in a band, learn about electric, be confident and not get discouraged. I was so fortunate to have mentors like my dad to help me learn and get better at electric and acoustic guitar, and I’ve also learned a lot about pedals and gear. I learned tons about the music industry by interning at CMA and Platinum Pen Publishing and helping lead the Music Business Leadership counsel at school. I also got the opportunity to play in a different bands and even a Belmont showcase. My faith, seeing the way God can use people's talents, and these experiences in my life made me want to help other women so they can step into their music callings. I want to help women play with confidence, become better musicians, not be intimidated to learn, and be able to share music that will give other people encouragement and hope.

I know some of you are there with me, and need someone to keep encouraging you with your musical aspirations.

I want to guide you through the world of guitar playing by cutting to the chase of the guitar essentials, so you can get started playing or improve on what you already know. You’ll be able start sharing your playing in a band or at a writers night ASAP.