I came to songwriting in my 40’s, after our children were older and there was space for creativity. Since I didn’t go to music school or have any formal musical instruction, I am convinced that I am not really writing songs, but that I merely writing them down. I am continually blown away by the fact that the universe is using me as a conduit, and, therefore, most of the songs that have come through me can probably be characterized as songs of inspiration, hope, and love.

It has been my privilege to work with talented vocalists – Sherry Allen in Maine, and Lydie Koffi Omesiete in Georgia. They are really the voice of the Don Gnecco songs. Additionally, I was so fortunate to connect up early on with Tim McLaughlin at Tree Frog Productions in Hollis, where three of the four Don Gnecco albums were recorded.

Prior to moving to northeast Georgia in 2012, I was a member of an MSA songwriter’s circle in Portland and it was my honor to serve as the facilitator of the circle for a couple of years.

Here in Georgia, I had the opportunity to lead a songwriting course for seniors at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Georgia. When the course was finished, the group continued for three years as a songwriter’s circle (similar to the one in Portland) and met at Piedmont College in Athens, Georgia. In 2018, the songwriter’s circle morphed into the Piedmont Songwriter’s Society and continues to meet monthly.

Any performing I do is at Unity Church in Gainesville, Georgia, where I am a member of the music team. It is my privilege to handle the music program one Sunday per month, and it is here that new songs are initially performed.

In 2002, 2006, and 2018 I entered songs in the Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest and was honored to travel to Ireland with vocalists Sherry Allen (2002 and 2006) and Lydie Koffi Omesiete (2018) where the songs were performed live in the Tipperary Excel Centre. Way cool!