New Orleans was her next residence, where she studied film, music and psychology, but her real musical training came at night in the clubs on Bourbon Street where she joined her first professional band. After completing her psychology degree in early childhood development with honors at the University of Florida in Gainesville, all the while performing in clubs nightly and creating a local name for herself, she headed up to New York City, and played the club scene. She continued studying jazz dance, acting, music theory, voice and piano, dabbling in recording studio, theater and film work. H er study of psychology left her with a deep quest to understand the human spirit, and as she began to write songs, this was reflected in the depth of her lyrics. Her love of melody is another strong element of her music.
Lyrics are evocative, personal and often spiritual.
Heavy metal fans as well as grandmothers are drawn to her music. Next, she met the members of the Jimmy Buffett band and recorded 10 songs, one of which landed on a benefit compilation CD for Cerebral Palsy, featuring performers out of Hoboken, N.J. such as Marianne Farley and Margo Hennebach. This received much local airplay, and kept her touring in the New England area. Meanwhile, it was time to move out of the hustle and bustle of New York City. Vickie needed some tranquility to continue her songwriting.