Tara’s musical journey began early, showcasing her talent as a toddler at the piano. By age six, she was performing publicly as part of her family’s vocal group in Minnesota and Canada. Around the same time, she began composing her own songs, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for music.
In her teenage years, Tara expanded her musical endeavors, forming a duo with her brother Jeff that continued through college. Alongside classical training in voice and piano, she explored popular styles, culminating in the formation of IS U IZ, a funk and R&B band she led for eight years. The group released a self-titled CD before members pursued individual musical paths.
Launching her solo career in the mid-1990s, Tara ventured into inspirational, folk, jazz, and pop rock, releasing her debut solo CD, How Can I Keep From Singing, in collaboration with producer Tim Zhorne in 2002. Over time, her focus shifted to classic jazz and Broadway standards, inspired by her parents’ love for timeless melodies. Her second solo album, Those Timeless Vintage Melodies, celebrates the works of Irving Berlin, the Gershwin brothers, Duke Ellington, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.
In 2009, Tara co-founded The BZ Girls with Carol Zimmerman, a duo that performed for nearly a decade and released two CDs. More recently, she reunited with her brother Jeff as The Brueskes, a duo blending sibling harmonies with classic crooner stylings, accompanied by piano and upright bass.
Since 2022, Tara has been a featured performer in the acclaimed tribute show I Honestly Love You, celebrating the iconic hits of Olivia Newton-John and Anne Murray. This popular production has been showcased at esteemed venues including the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Crooners Supper Club, Brianno's Chart House, and The Freight House in Stillwater.
Alongside her performing career, Tara has been a dedicated voice and piano instructor, teaching musicians of all ages. She emphasizes classical training, healthy vocal techniques, and a strong foundation in note reading, improvisation, and music theory. Her commitment to preserving vocal health and fostering a love of music inspires her students and reflects her lifelong dedication to her craft.
