Before coming to Japan, Jennifer Biggers had achieved some success as a musician in her native Texas. The world music enthusiast had composed and produced two tapes and a CD of original music.

But after five years of combining performance with teaching yoga and working part time, Biggers was ready for a change. "I wanted to travel," she says. "I needed a new perspective."

And so Biggers came to Japan in 1998 to teach English on the Japan Education and Teaching program. A strong incentive was the opportunity to broaden her musical horizons.