To write a new composition, my process typically begins with improvisation at the piano or through vocalization. During the first week, I immerse myself in the act of inventing new ideas and exploring sounds without any editing or judgment. I often find inspiration from titles, visual art, or reflecting on past musical works or instrumental repertoire — and through the lens of our current cultural aesthetics and approaches to those ideas. In the second week, I transcribe the most interesting segments of the improvisations, utilizing either pencil or Logic. The third week involves layering ideas, deleting, or making new interstitial material. Finally, in the fourth week, I play through the entire work many times and, sometimes, collaborate with performers to assess feedback and make changes. I think about larger forms and structures and motivic development more in this final week. This entire process can sometimes range from a few hours to a few years.

Sometimes. Lessons are generally reserved for students with a solid foundation in music theory and a strong understanding of its rules and principles. Students should demonstrate proficiency in reading, notating, and interpreting repertoire, with an emphasis on achieving both technical mastery and artistic depth in piano performance. For those interested in composition or orchestration, a thorough knowledge of key signatures, scales, and instrumental ranges is essential. My goal is to foster a deeper understanding of music, helping students realize their full potential in both technique and creative expression, while guiding them to continuously grow and refine their craft.

My compositional philosophy centers on the exploration of memory and its psychological intricacies. By employing transformative techniques on musical quotations, I evoke emotions and transport listeners to different temporal contexts. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including past cultures, childhood fascinations with film scores, and avant-garde techniques, I bridge the gap between modernist and popular styles. Through crafting richly somatic experiences, I create well-crafted and expressive works that emerge from a spiritual place, engaging even the smallest motivic devices. In summary, my approach intertwines memory, transformative techniques, and a fusion of influences, resulting in emotionally resonant compositions that bridge musical traditions. This philosophy underpins my creative work, providing a foundation for engaging and thought-provoking musical exploration.

Absolutely! I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to assist you in transforming your musical vision into a reality. Whether you're seeking a new composition, a distinctive arrangement, or a meticulously orchestrated piece, my goal is to surpass your expectations and faithfully capture the essence of your artistic vision. I will work diligently to ensure that every detail aligns seamlessly with your specifications and desired timeline. Simply provide me with the necessary details, including your specific ideas, preferences, and desired musical styles, and together we can embark on a collaborative journey to create a truly exceptional and tailored new musical creation.

Aspiring composers can benefit from many online courses, software tools, specific books, and a good teacher. Professional music notation software (Sibelius, Finale, Dorico) assists in composing and arranging. Score study, guided by analysis books, deepens understanding of renowned composers across genres. Music theory books (e.g., "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Composition," "Tonal Harmony") build a solid foundation. Online composition courses (Coursera, Udemy, Berklee Online) cover diverse topics. Engaging in online communities and forums fosters feedback and collaboration. Collaboration with performers, ensembles, or filmmakers offers practical experience. Recording and mixing software (Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live) enhance production quality. Embracing creativity and passion while exploring diverse genres nurtures compositional skills.

Yes, I can certainly assist with transposing a composition to a different key or suggesting changes in instrumentation based on your existing arrangement. Transposing involves shifting all the notes up or down to change the overall key, which can be helpful for accommodating vocal ranges or instrument capabilities. If you provide the specific key you want to transpose from and the desired key, along with any desired changes in instrumentation, such as adding or replacing instruments, I can make the necessary adjustments to create a new arrangement that fits your preferences.

Yes, I have a collection of carefully watermarked full scores that I can share with you upon request. I would be delighted to provide them to you for educational purposes only. These scores encompass a variety of genres and styles. If you choose to study them, I kindly ask that you use them responsibly and respect the copyrights associated with the material, especially if you plan on performing them. In such cases, supporting the business of making music through appropriate payment is greatly appreciated. However, my genuine hope is that studying my scores, as well as those of other composers, will inspire and deepen your love for music and the art form itself. Music has a unique ability to enrich and enhance the enjoyment of life, while also benefiting and elevating any other subject or field it touches.

The time to complete a composition varies based on factors such as complexity, duration, use of extended techniques, and uninterrupted time. Each composition is unique, taking anywhere from hours to years. Collaborative works involve coordination and feedback from multiple musicians, impacting the timeline. New compositions are often inspired by sudden inspiration or diligent work. The goal is to create a composition that conveys emotions and desired messages, requiring different time for each project. Giving music the necessary time and attention is crucial for developing and exploiting a piece's full potential. The process is akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle, where defining the limitations and essence of the problem guides the composer.

Certainly! I am delighted to offer my availability for music composition and orchestration workshops and masterclasses. These educational platforms provide valuable opportunities for in-depth discussions and exploration of the highest levels of artistic expression, fostering a sense of connection and impact in the musical world. Through the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and guidance, I am eager to contribute to the enrichment of compositional skills and the expansion of creative horizons. These sessions act as catalysts for intellectual growth, enabling participants to refine their artistic voices and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate aspects of composition. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that empowers composers to thrive and cultivate their artistic development.

Absolutely! I would be delighted, if available, to participate in any interviews, workshops, or similar engagements that explore the depths of the artistic process or the business aspects of pursuing a career in music. It would be a privilege to share insights into my own creative process and convey valuable stories acquired from collaborating with exceptional musical artists, including luminaries like David Foster and André Previn. I eagerly look forward to unraveling the layers of inspiration, emotions, and background narratives that shape my music and the various projects it touches. Through thoughtful conversations, I aim to unveil the intricate nuances and intentions behind the music, fostering a profound connection between the audience and the art. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues that enrich the understanding and appreciation of the boundless power of music.

Absolutely! I have the expertise and creative ability to compose music in multiple languages and seamlessly integrate lyrics from diverse linguistic backgrounds into the final score and individual parts. This allows me to cater to your specific linguistic and cultural preferences, ensuring that the music resonates deeply with your intended audience. When embarking on a composition in different languages, I pay meticulous attention to the phonetics, rhythms, and tonalities unique to each language. By understanding the intricacies and nuances of pronunciation, I can craft melodies and harmonies that complement the natural flow of the lyrics, resulting in a seamless integration of language and music. This approach enhances the overall impact and authenticity of the piece, evoking a powerful emotional connection with listeners.

Creating effective music arrangements requires careful consideration and artistic sensibility. My recommendation is to study from insightful books, memorize instrument ranges and transpositions, and seek opportunities to hear your arrangement performed by an ensemble, persisting until it fully captures your artistic intent. Additionally, selecting complementary instruments, utilizing texture and dynamics, establishing a strong structure, incorporating creative interpretation, serving the song's intention, paying attention to detail, balancing complexity and simplicity, experimenting and innovating, and trusting your inner ear are crucial elements. Ultimately, effective arrangements emerge from a thoughtful and creative process grounded in a deep understanding of the music and a dedication to artistic expression.

The process of collaborating with choreographers or dance companies is an intricate and fascinating journey that involves deep communication, mutual understanding, and a shared vision for the artistic expression. It begins with immersing myself in the world of dance, understanding the choreographer's concepts, themes, and movement vocabulary. Through dialogue and exploration, we exchange ideas, exploring the interplay between music and movement, finding synergy and resonance. It is a delicate balance of providing musical support while also allowing space for the dancers' interpretation and expression. The collaborative process ignites a beautiful dialogue between two art forms, merging the power of music and the grace of dance to create a truly immersive and transformative experience for both performers and audiences alike.

Certainly! I am committed to providing MIDI mock-ups or demos for new pieces as a valuable tool to convey the artistic vision and essence of the composition. By meticulously crafting these digital representations, I strive to capture the intended emotions, dynamics, and textures of the music, allowing both performers and listeners to grasp the full potential of the piece. MIDI mock-ups serve as a bridge between the composer's imagination and the realization of the composition, providing a vivid sonic representation that aids in the interpretation and understanding of the music. I take great care in ensuring that these mock-ups are thoughtfully crafted, reflecting the nuances and subtleties of the composition, and serving as a valuable resource for performers, conductors, and collaborators to fully engage with the music.

Yes, I would love to make myself available for live performances and collaborations with musicians, provided it is possible with my schedule, as it is through these transformative experiences that music truly comes to life. The collaborative process is a sacred space where diverse talents converge, fostering a dynamic and symbiotic relationship between composer and performer. I believe in the power of collective artistry, where each musician contributes their unique voice to create something greater than the sum of its parts. By actively engaging with performers, I seek to understand their interpretations, tap into their artistic expressions, and collaborate in crafting unforgettable musical experiences. I would cherish the opportunity to collaborate with musicians, to bring forth the vibrant energy of live performances, and to touch the hearts and souls of audiences through the universal language of music.

Yes! I possess the artistic prowess and technical expertise to create music that seamlessly merges the realms of acoustic and electronic elements. By blending traditional instruments with cutting-edge electronic sounds, I craft compositions that transcend boundaries and embrace the limitless possibilities of sound. This fusion allows for a rich tapestry of textures, captivating rhythms, and ethereal atmospheres that elevate the listening experience to new heights. The integration of acoustic and electronic elements not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also reflects the dynamic nature of our modern musical landscape. Through this innovative approach, I aim to create immersive sonic landscapes that captivate the senses and evoke profound emotions in the listener. The synergy between acoustic and electronic elements in my music is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, enriching the artistic palette and forging new paths in musical expression.

Absolutely! I offer comprehensive licensing options for my compositions, providing flexibility for various needs and contexts. Whether it's for film, television, advertising, or other projects, I am committed to tailoring licensing agreements that best serve the requirements of each unique situation. Additionally, I offer performance rights and licenses for live performances of my compositions, allowing musicians and ensembles to bring my music to life on stage. Furthermore, I have the ability to create captivating jingles or theme music that captures the essence of brands and businesses, delivering a powerful sonic identity. As an experienced composer, I can also provide valuable guidance on music publishing and distribution, helping artists navigate the complex landscape of the music industry. My goal is to support fellow musicians and creatives in realizing their artistic visions, ensuring that their compositions reach their intended audience in the most effective and impactful way possible.