The youngest of five girls, Marlene expressed an interest in music at an early age. She began playing the piano at the age of eight and at the age of eleven she began writing her own music. At the age of fifteen she was accepted to a Music Academy where she studied theatre and dance and landed numerous lead roles in productions such as Annie , Oliver and Grease. She graduated with top honors and was chosen from over several hundred students to sing at her graduation. After High School,she recorded children's tapes for schools in Miami Beach and sang with local bands at benefits and banquets. Marlene graduated UCLA with a major in music. Once again, she was chosen to sing the National Anthem at her college graduation. In addition to having a passion for music, she also has a passion for children. At the age of eighteen,She combined her two loves and began teaching music to children ages five to fourteen. While continuing to perform and write songs, she directed, produced and wrote numerous plays for schools in the Los Angeles area. While teaching, Marlene never forgot what it was she eventually wanted to do. She says her experience with children continues to be extremely rewarding. She is a powerful singer/songwriter and gives credit to her students for much of her success. "I feel as if my students taught me a lot more than I taught them." Marlene is determined to stay a positive role model for her students and hopes to reach out to others through her music. In 2002 Marlene collaborated with record producer Jarrett Michaels on her debut album, First breath. Michaels was a staff writer for N.E.M. publishing, a division of EMI. Michaels also had songs published with Michael Jackson and worked with recording sensation Brandy.All the songs are original and cover a variety of genres, including alternative rock, R&B and techno. The lyrics are meaningful and effective and the vocals are powerful and passionate. This album has something for everyone.