Cindy was a curious 9 year old when on a trip to Mexico with family she spied a guitar hanging in a Tijuana souvenir stall and mercilessly begged her father for it. Unlike most children who beg for something just to toss it aside uninterested,,,that guitar stuck. And it’s still stuck! Her lifelong love affair with the guitar was already in the cards for this natural born player who in 6th grade started giving guitar lessons to her Girl Scout troop!  The fearless little engine was primed,  and next thing you know she was playing and singing in school plays and concerts, even at her own Prom!
Throughout college Cindy played with a strolling string quintet named “Ambrosian Strings” at the famous che’ che’ Ambrosia Restaurant in Newport Beach.
With Classical training, Folk music and Travis-style fingerpicking under her belt, in the 1990’s she discovered Bluegrass and has never turned back. (good for us!)

For the last 20 years, totally immersed in the Bluegrass world, Cindy has been a huge promoter, teacher and performer of Bluegrass starting up several bands, hers and others, hosting hundreds of workshops small and large, near and far.  Boasting top of her game as one of the all time favorite instructors at the famous Steve Kaufman Acoustic Camp in Maryville, TN.

As a “side hustle” (huge career) for this natural born instructor….  Cindy has given many years of her life to the teaching of Special Education students where playing music was an integral tool she wielded…music therapy in action! Now that she’s retired from the local school district,  we, MMP,  get to keep her busy!  ,,,if that’s even possible.
Many know Cindy thru her own non-profit music organization, The American Music Project, creating and producing many fine Bluegrass Festivals in the surrounding region. Currently she’s an active Board Member of the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association helping with everything she can get her hands on!  Every undertaking she ensues is always fully executed and inspires so many.  The kind of human we all should aspire to be.

The playing and teaching style Cindy specializes in, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is that of Lester Flatt and Doc Watson, often referred to as “traditional” or “roots” style that grew out from the Oldtime music of the Appalachians. She loves that freeing creative fingerstyle flatpicking driving rhythm…fits her personality to a tee!

Yep, she’s a purist and loves putting her knowledge to great use as the Hostess of two NEW JAMS here at Mountain Music Parlor~ Bluegrass Slow Jam and the Bluegrass & Oldtime Fiddle Tune Jam!

See Cindy in action in her all woman band The Sierra Sweethearts!

From first timers to old timers Cindy can help you learn true blue Bluegrass! And we highly recommend you do!

Yup, that’s none other than Bill Monroe, the ‘Father of Bluegrass’!

…wondering if Cindy’s not related…