My musical journey began at age four, when I climbed onto a piano bench and began experimenting at the old upright piano that had just been moved into our house. I believe my roots of improvisation may have come from that period of time, when I could play at the keyboard without being asked to perform anything in any particular way. With no expectations and no critique, I could do anything I wanted.
One day I was shown a chord that sounded good, a root position C-chord, I think. And immediately I was off. I played the chord in other places on the keyboard, some that rang with innocent tonality, and others that literally gave my family headaches. I added melodies and patterns and ornaments and progressions. I told secret stories with the music. I improvised based on what I saw out the window, or created musical puzzles for my family to solve.
From this point onward, I spent countless hours exploring the keyboard, expressing whatever emotions I was feeling at the time. Creating music spoke to me in a profound way that brought me great joy. I started composing then, too, and since I didn't know how to read music yet, I asked my mom for help. My cousin, while watching this process, said "He's going to be a composer when he grows up!"
When I was seven, I began formal piano studies. My instinct and ear for music were far ahead of my sight reading abilities, though, and at my first recital I accidentally put the music upside down on the stand. Thankfully, I didn't need it.
I’ve been passionately and intensively studying music ever since. Currently I study composition and music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music, piano at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, contemporary improvisation at the New England Conservatory, and cello in Mansfield, Ohio. I also play in the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra.
I continue to explore music every opportunity I have. I've attended numerous composition intensives and programs, given numerous presentations about music and improvisation, and collaborated with musicians around the country on projects large and small. I love working with others to bring music to the world in new and surprising ways. I frequently perform my own compositions and improvisations, and I also enjoy film scoring.
Concert music has always enthralled me. Whether I’m composing, performing or improvising, I’m so thankful to be a part of the musical world. Music is woven into the very fabric of life. And sharing it brings me great joy.
One day I was shown a chord that sounded good, a root position C-chord, I think. And immediately I was off. I played the chord in other places on the keyboard, some that rang with innocent tonality, and others that literally gave my family headaches. I added melodies and patterns and ornaments and progressions. I told secret stories with the music. I improvised based on what I saw out the window, or created musical puzzles for my family to solve.
From this point onward, I spent countless hours exploring the keyboard, expressing whatever emotions I was feeling at the time. Creating music spoke to me in a profound way that brought me great joy. I started composing then, too, and since I didn't know how to read music yet, I asked my mom for help. My cousin, while watching this process, said "He's going to be a composer when he grows up!"
When I was seven, I began formal piano studies. My instinct and ear for music were far ahead of my sight reading abilities, though, and at my first recital I accidentally put the music upside down on the stand. Thankfully, I didn't need it.
I’ve been passionately and intensively studying music ever since. Currently I study composition and music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music, piano at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, contemporary improvisation at the New England Conservatory, and cello in Mansfield, Ohio. I also play in the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra.
I continue to explore music every opportunity I have. I've attended numerous composition intensives and programs, given numerous presentations about music and improvisation, and collaborated with musicians around the country on projects large and small. I love working with others to bring music to the world in new and surprising ways. I frequently perform my own compositions and improvisations, and I also enjoy film scoring.
Concert music has always enthralled me. Whether I’m composing, performing or improvising, I’m so thankful to be a part of the musical world. Music is woven into the very fabric of life. And sharing it brings me great joy.