Val grew up in the Midwest listening to the Beatles, Elvis, and the Mama’s and the Papa’s, but also to the deep, lush female voices of Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter. Her major musical influences include Bruce Springsteen, because of the contrasting styles and issues he is not afraid to confront.

Val picked up a guitar at age eight and has never put it down. As much as she loves to write, she is driven to continue by a force unknown to her! With “insightful lyrics and catchy melodies…” (Blue Note publication, Columbia), her songs are open-ended and transcend not only time, but also the emotions of her listeners. They are made more enjoyable by her vocals, which invite attention of their own.

Solo, and with the Val Goodrich Band, Val has performed for several years at First Night, Heritage, Arts, and Blues festivals, as well as universities, wineries, county fairs, and other events all over the Midwest.

Val recently completed her second album with her band, entitled: ‘Stray From the Middle.’ This CD offers a little bit of everything – blues, pop, folk, and beautiful ballads. She also has a five-song cassette available, and has been included on the 10 o’clock News Compilation CD to benefit R.A.I.N. (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network).

As a teacher of young children, Val is proud to introduce music as a hands-on experience that many have taken with them into more formal education. As a musician, her objectives are to share the music and her thoughts with those who can say they’ve been there.