Brenda discovered the hammered dulcimer in 1993, immersed herself in practice, winning the championship just three years later. Her musical training had begun in early childhood, while singing with her family. She went on to study piano, violin, saxophone, guitar and voice, completing her degree in music education.

From rock to Renaissance, Celtic to classical, Brenda has played with a wide spectrum of ensembles. Her new EP, Skyride, captures seven favorite pieces from her festival repertoire, with frequent collaborator and ex-Banshee bandmate, guitarist Mary Tulin. Her ever-popular solo CD Catching the Mooncoin (2003) features the original Banshee in the Kitchen and friends. Other albums with the band include If We Were Us (2002), Even Hotter Water (2005), acclaimed winter album Invite the LIght (2007), and Live at Painted Sky (2008). Brenda’s two earlier CDs, still in digital circulation, were recorded with flautist Cindy Angel—The Captive Maiden and Christmas Collage.

Brenda performs and teaches at dulcimer festivals across the country, including the Upper Potomac Spring Music Weekend, Nutmeg Festival in Connecticut, Oregon Spring Fling, Ozark Dulcimer Festival, Sawdust Festival in Oklahoma, Claremont Folk Festival, and Harvest Festival in Dana Point, California. Brenda also performs regularly throughout Central and Southern California.