The New England Conservatory of Music graduate is no stranger to the stage, however. Politzer has played in venerable New York venues such as the Bitter End and the Cutting Room since she moved to the city in 1996 and has produced four solo albums and accompanied other artists in countless recordings.
   Politzer moved to Forest Hills from Brooklyn with her husband, musician and Julliard professor George Colligan, in 2003. She is looking forward to helping develop more appreciation for music in the neighborhood and the borough through her performances at the Atlas Park Groovin' on the Green outdoor summer concert series in September.
   "It's really something in this area that will get people more interested in live music," Politzer said. "People don't realize how much music can affect their lives, but live music is just great for your mental health."
   Politzer is equally excited about playing Waltz Astoria at its Ladies Singer and Songwriter night this Sunday, where the small, indoor space makes performing an intimate experience.
   "It's such a cool place to hang out. It's a lovely little room where you can have cheesecake from Junior's and red wine sangria," Politzer said.
   The 36-year-old Baltimore native has been playing piano since she received a toy piano at age three, never straying far from the ivory keys. After taking years of private classical instruction, Politzer attended the North Carolina Arts School where she focused on music and later graduated from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she studied jazz piano performance.
   Politzer said she ultimately decided to pursue jazz in college because it allowed her to be more creative.
   "There is so much more freedom with jazz. In the process of improvising you're making up your own song. It's a much more free-form way to express yourself," Politzer said.
   Each of Politzer's albums explores influences ranging from jazz legends like Thelonious Monk and Slide Hampton and divergent musical styles like Brazilian samba and reggae-inspired ska music. Politzer released her premier vocal recordings in her latest album, "You Took Me In," in October 2007.
   The album is a departure from her previous improvisational work, with shades of rock and folk with a catchy hook, rhythmic percussion and measured acoustic and electric guitars. Politzer decided to add her own vocal element after completing a songwriting workshop last year.
   "It was such a creatively stimulating experience," Politzer said. "It's really interesting to try to marry lyrics with music."
   When Politzer is not composing or writing, she performs at local weddings and restaurants to supplement her income while her husband gives private music lessons. The work seems less a distraction from her musical career than as something vital and integral.
   "I think there's an interest in music here," Politzer said. "People are really trying to develop an appreciation for jazz in this community. There's a growing cultural scene here."
   Waltz-Astoria is located at 23-14 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, with Politzer's performance beginning at 8 p.m. on Aug. 24. There is a $10 drink minimum.
   The Groovin' on the Green Concert series at the Shops at Atlas Park is located at 80-00 Cooper Ave. in Glendale. Politzer will perform at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in September. Admission is free.