She moved to Chicago in 1998 to further her opera studies, and began home-recording her songs, resulting in the albums There Are Eyes Above, influenced by Tin Pan Alley, and an album of children's songs, Little Life.
She relocated to Chicago in 1998 to deepen her opera education, and started home-recording her songs, leading to albums titled There Are Eyes Above, inspired by Tin Pan Alley, and a collection of children's tunes, Little Life.