Cynthia studied piano at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, with Russell Sherman and Laurence Lesser being major influences, and was a fellowship recipient to Tanglewood. She has taught at MIT, San Diego State University and University of San Diego. Among the many noted composers Cynthia has worked with are Elliott Carter, George Crumb and Steve Reich. In San Francisco she has performed in Davies Symphony Hall and the DeYoung Museum, and was a member of the New And Unusual Music Series under the direction of John Adams. Other recital venues include the Gardner Museum in Boston and Sundays At Four in Los Angeles, in addition to several concerto appearances as guest artist.