COMMISSIONS
I have collaborated on more than 70 commissions in my career. I really enjoy the process of working with an ensemble to create a piece that fits the moment and creates a lasting legacy to memorialize a significant event. I enjoy learning about the ensembles for which I compose and work to create a piece that is tailored to their strengths.
I use a commission agreement that insures that the ensemble has a complete voice in the process. I believe that the text should be agreed upon by both the ensemble and me. This is a great first step in insuring that the resulting piece will be compatible with the ensemble. I enjoy interacting with conductors and singers within the ensembles for which I compose.
If you are interested in a commission, please contact me for my current rates and schedule.
Choir Clinics
I enjoy working with choirs. I am often asked to visit a choir and work with them to heighten their performance. I respect conductors and all they do to develop their ensembles on a daily basis. I like to present alternative approaches that can lead to further insights into the music. I often clinic my own pieces but also enjoy working on a wide variety of repertoire.
I don’t have a set fee for this. My goal is to be a resource and help choirs improve their expressive objectives. If you are interested in setting up a clinic with your choir, please contact me by phone, email, or text.
Guest Conducting
I have appeared throughout the country as a guest conductor conducting choirs or choirs and orchestras. I have a broad choral repertoire and also enjoy conducting my own pieces.
I invest in the singers in these occasions and strive to give each one a memorable and uplifting experience. If you are interested in contacting me for guest conducting, please contact me by phone, email, or text.
Private Lessons
I have taught composition and conducting privately throughout my teaching career. I enjoy watching students grow and develop under this apprenticeship approach. I tailor my teaching to the individual needs and strengths of each student. I am very proud of a long list of former students who have a number of published compositions and continue to publish their work regularly.
Composition
Lessons
I share my process of composing but I also emphasize that everyone will work differently. My goal is to help each student find what works best for them. I stress the importance of text and discuss the ways in which a composer partners with a poet. I teach unique approaches to the process of joining music and text. Students can choose to write for a cappella choirs or choirs accompanied by piano, other instruments, or even band or orchestra. One of my specialties is teaching students to write creative and effective piano accompaniments.
Students may also choose to work on a choral arranging project.
Conducting
Lessons
While it is very important for conductors to conduct singers, students can learn a great deal through private instruction. Techniques can be refined in a private setting. This process works best when a student has the opportunity to conduct a choir during the time he or she is taking lessons. Concepts learned in the lesson can immediately be applied in a rehearsal setting.
I teach conducting with or without a baton. I also encourage the student to explore a wide range of repertoire and help the students expand their command of various genres and styles.
Lessons are generally 30 minutes in length. Please contact me for my current rates and schedule.