Album Notes

As the youngest child born into a very musical family, Jackie began piano lessons at the age of eight, with her oldest sister being her first piano teacher. Jackie took naturally to the piano, and loved to practice even as a child. She had many experiences singing with her sisters at different events and grew to love singing as well. She continued her piano studies during her teenage years, where she competed in the Utah State Fair Piano Competition for several years. Jackie tied for second place in that competition at the age of fifteen.

Jackie had a love for ballet as well as piano, and worked diligently developing her talents in both areas. Jackie performed in Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” for five years, playing the main children’s part of Clara for two of those years. One of her fondest memories of performing was when she was able to blend both of these talents for the Willam F. Christensen Ballet Academy Benefit in 1981, when she both danced with the group and also performed a Chopin Waltz as piano accompaniment for the other dancers.

While in High School Jackie was able to both sing with and accompany different choral groups. She went on to Brigham Young University where she continued her piano studies under the tutelage of Robert Smith. She graduated from BYU in 1985 with a bachelor of arts degree in Piano Performance.

Jackie’s musical background has been primarily classical piano, but over the last decade or so, she has discovered a gift for creating her own inspirational, peaceful and healing music. This creative process has been a source of great joy and comfort as she examines different themes such as, motherhood, the beauty of childhood, the loss of loved ones, faith, hope and the ability for a fresh start in life. Jackie’s debut album, “Fresh Start”, had its beginnings as a surprise Christmas gift for her husband, and has grown from there to touch and inspire the many hearts of those who have heard it since. Jackie and her husband Curtis live in Utah and are the proud parents of five children.

Reviews:

"Incredible music!! I just want to express my sincere thanks for sharing your amazing talents and gifts through music. I play your music continually and it brings a peaceful calm to our home and to my life. It has a unique ability to speak to the soul and provde comfort, joy, and inspiration. In our society that is so hurried and often crowded with things that are not very optimistic, your powerful music invites hope and calm and brings forward feelings of self-worth, peace, goodness and happiness! I've given your CD's to friends and family members as gifts for special occassions as well as for comfort and healing during challenging events such as the loss of a loved one. I think it's a must for every home! Thank you for your great work." Marci Redding