She received her education at Nazareth College of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, and the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she completed doctoral studies with Edwin E. Gordon in 1976. She has authored numerous teaching materials and articles and has served as consultant in the design of school music curricula throughout the country. In addition, she has served as a consultant for the music toys designed by the Fisher Price Toy Company, and is on the Executive Board of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.