Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Ivy's beginnings in music began at an early age singing in church choir and playing handbells. As a teenager she played flute and saxophone in school band programs, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Music and half a Master's degree in classical flute performance.

Prominent in Edmonton's classical music circles since 1999, Ivy entered the singer/songwriter scene in 2006, when she happened upon a Sunday night open stage at Cargo & James Tea. She frequented the open mic over the next two years, usually performing traditional Irish music on flute, and sometimes partnering with a friend to play guitar while she sang.

In early 2008, knowing that she wanted to learn guitar, a generous friend gave her an old one on "permanent loan". With the help of a beginner guitar computer program and a method book, Ivy taught herself to play the instrument. Torn (written in January 2008) was the first song she wrote using the guitar as the medium.

Despite her strong foundation in classical music, Ivy's first love is rock music. The first two albums she can recall listening extensively to (after outgrowing Raffi's numerous children's albums) are The Stray Cats' Built For Speed, and The Beatles' White Album.

As a flute player, she is self-professed to perform musical styles from "Belfast to Bach to Rock", and past credits include recordings with progressive rock band Ants On A Log (1996-1997), indie punk/surf rockers The Zazazas (2008), and a solo flute album of traditional irish/celtic style songs.

Upon moving to Vancouver in September 2008 she has focused on developing her guitar & vocal skills, and currently studies with esteemed vocal coach Taylore T. Fox (Trudy Buckler Blake).

Her original music is described as celtic-influenced, poignant, and with catchy melodies and lyrics. She has been compared to Jewel's earlier styles and Priscilla Herdman's delivery of words and music. Ivy calls her style "folk-pop", however, her influences range widely and include progressive rock guru Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, irish flautist Chris Norman, Roxette, Madonna, Evanesence, Paramore and Bif Naked.

In November 2009, Ivy released a 5 song demo EP entitled The Teaser EP, and has performed in Vancouver at Trees Cafe on Granville Street, The Wired Monk, Cuppa Joy Coffee, Cafe Montmartre and Cafe Deux Soleils.