Julia grew up in rural Manitoba and began her teaching career in Brandon, Manitoba as an elementary music and studio piano teacher. Her primary research program examines the interactions between curriculum and community contexts, specifically in relation to the arts and rural education. Julia’s research has examined music education programs in rural areas in Canada, and has explored the educational experiences of self-taught Indigenous artists who grew up in Canada’s North. Julia’s research program also explores how children in an after-school music program learn music and the extent to which these musical experiences influence their sense of belonging and self-concept. Julia remains active as a collaborative pianist.