Trained as a pianist and singer, Debra has enjoyed a long career as a teacher, professional mezzo-soprano soloist and chorister, having sung with such prestigious choral groups as Conspirare's Company of Singers, Robert Shaw's Festival Singers, the Kansas City Chorale and the Berwick Chorus of the Oregon Bach Festival.  These experiences and many others have enriched her understanding of the needs of singers and conductors of choral music as well as their audiences.

 

Since 2005 Debra has served as Composer in Residence for The Texas Voices, a Dallas (TX) area professional chamber choir and since 2013 has served in the same capacity for the Plano (TX) Civic Chorus, an 80+ voice ensemble.

 

In the years since she began composing, her music has been performed by choirs throughout the US and Canada, in Europe, South America, and in Russia and Thailand.  Debra is frequently commissioned to create new choral works for churches, schools, universities, professional ensembles and community choirs.

 

In addition to her many self-published works, Debra's music is also published by Oxford University Press, Alliance Music Publications, Choristers Guild, John Rich Music Press, Pavane Publishing, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Sacred Music Press, Music Spoke, Heritage Music Press and earthsongs.