As a freelance composer, I'm thrilled to share my passion for creation with others. Composition has been at the core of my music degree, and I've dedicated years to honing my skills in this art form. It's been an incredible journey, with my works being performed across the country and even internationally. I've had the privilege of having premieres by well-established university ensembles and esteemed members of major orchestras.

In my teaching approach, I intertwine music theory and composition, providing my students with a holistic understanding of the creative and technical aspects of composing. I firmly believe that composition stems from intuition, allowing the music to flow naturally, and then it can be shaped and refined with the aid of theory. It's a beautiful dance between creativity and knowledge.

As my students explore the realm of composition, they'll have the opportunity to delve into various genres. We'll navigate through classical, contemporary, film scoring, and more. It's an open canvas where we'll paint vivid musical landscapes together.

Throughout my life, songwriting has been a profound passion of mine. It has brought me immense joy to release three albums, each one representing a unique chapter of my musical journey. If you take a moment to visit the "listen" page on my website, you'll be able to immerse yourself in a glimpse of the music I've poured my heart and soul into.

At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief in helping students discover and embrace their authentic voice as songwriters. I achieve this by engaging in meaningful conversations that delve into what kind of music truly inspires and moves them. Through these discussions, we can uncover the essence of your unique style, allowing it to blossom and become an integral part of your songwriting process.

During our lessons, we'll dive deep into various aspects of the songwriting craft. We'll explore the intricacies of song structure, unravel the mysteries of chords, and unearth effective methods for finding inspiration that extends beyond the realm of lyrics. Together, we'll work diligently to refine your skills, allowing you to create heartfelt and captivating songs that genuinely reflect who you are as an artist.

I'm a firm believer in taking a unique approach to clarinet instruction—one that prioritizes fun and allows the rest to naturally fall into place. My own journey with the clarinet began by exploring the instrument on my own, without formal lessons until college. It was through this unorthodox approach that I discovered my passion and developed a unique style. In fact, my unconventional approach propelled me to secure a spot in the two highest ensembles at my university, ultimately earning the prestigious position of first chair in the clarinet section.

When teaching my students, we start with the basics—a fundamental understanding of how to play the clarinet. From there, I encourage them to dive into the songs they love most. Rather than overwhelming them with rigid practice routines, I believe in incorporating true joy into the learning process. By playing along with their favorite tunes, my students not only embrace their musical preferences but also find themselves leaving practice sessions feeling refreshed rather than drained.

Each student is unique, and I tailor their practice regime to suit their individual needs. Whether they aspire to join an ensemble, perform on stage, or simply want to explore the clarinet for personal enjoyment, I'm here to guide and support them every step of the way.