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Lily O'Brien

About Me

Music has always been my passion. I performed professionally in a variety of genres, but am now writing about it.

I grew up outside of New York City in a very creative and theatrical family, and it was clear to me at an early age that music was my talent and passion. I started with classical, and played and studied violin, guitar, piano and voice. I also was exposed to and loved jazz, folk and rock music. I tried a career as a singer/songwriter in the 70s, with some success, but realized that it was just too hard a road. I also sang jazz and briefly had my own band. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in California in 1976, and love it here. For many years I worked as a legal secretary to pay the bills. Then I went back to school and got a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations with a Music Minor, and I worked as a publicist for the performing arts. I soon discovered that it was not the right career for me, but that writing and journalism was my passion. Recently my husband and I travelled around the world a few times (six and seven-month trips) and returned to the San Francisco Bay Area. Now that we have downsized, I can afford the career I always wanted. I now write music articles for various publications and have a freelance copy editing business. I continue to sing and perform in a few classical choirs. Life is good!

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