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Ruth began her musical career as a Juilliard-trained classical violinist. She started violin lessons at the age of eight and went on to study with violin master Manuel Compinsky at California State University in Northridge, where she was the concertmistress of the CSUN Symphony. She continued her studies at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she received her master’s degree studying under renowned violin master Ian Galamian.
After completing her graduate degree in music, Ruth became intrigued with freer styles of fiddle music, including country, bluegrass and folk. She performed for several years in the New York metropolitan area before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue this new direction of her musical career.
Shortly after arriving in Nashville, Ruth began performing and recording with folk/bluegrass icon John Hartford, the singer-songwriter famous for penning the Glenn Campbell hit classic, “Gentle on My Mind.” This exposure to Hartford’s unique artistry proved to be a major influence in Ruth’s evolving musical and creative style. She went on to perform and record with numerous Nashville artists, including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Vince Gill and Chet Atkins.
During the 1990’s, she performed extensively with singer-songwriter Amy Grant at such events as The Oprah Winfrey Mother’s Day Show, The 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for former President George Bush and Barbara Bush at the Grand Old Opry, a concert for terminally ill children at Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp” and The Dove Awards Show.
In 2001, Ruth released her first instrumental recording, Songs for the Good Life. Inspired in part by her performance as a solo artist for the Franklin Graham Festival in Perth, Scotland, this collection of Celtic, folk, sacred and classical melodies captures the essence of Ruth’s musical journey. Shortly after September 11, 2001, Ruth performed her moving arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the opening of Discover Mills Mall in Atlanta, Georgia, which led to a collaborative relationship with The Mills Corporation. She went on to record three Mills-sponsored CD’s, including a short patriotic project, The American Dream; a second full-length CD, Breathing Freely; and a Christmas album, Awakening the Season. Her fourth instrumental recording, The Music of Life, releases in November of 2006.
Ruth has performed internationally for audiences from churches to corporate events, from grand concert stages to the intimate settings of bookstore cafes. Accompanied by her Acoustic Trio, Ruth’s refreshingly eclectic repertoire and elegant sound have been enjoyed by audiences throughout the country and around the world.