Brenda began her musical studies at the age of six on the accordion and achieved the Ontario Conservatory of Music Grade 8 level. As a teen she was a member of the Hamilton Youth Accordion Orchestra. After a 20 year hiatus to pursue a career in court stenography and raise a family, Brenda returned to her interest in the accordion and subsequently piano under the guidance of the accomplished musician Glen Ellement.

Brenda studied at Mohawk College and obtained a Music Certificate and Applied Music Diploma with honours in jazz studies, also receiving the Antony Roberts Music Excellence Scholarship and the Richard Newell Memorial Scholarship. Brenda has studied under such well-known teacher/musicians as Adrean Farrugia, Darcy Hepner, Mike Malone, Carl Horton, and others. During her studies Brenda has performed in various ensembles, including a Beatles cover group, and has also directed/conducted the bell choir at St. Matthew-on-the-Plains Church in Burlington. Brenda became the proud owner of the Hamilton School of Music in 2012.  She successfully attained her license as a Kindermusik educator in 2018 and loves teaching and guiding young children.