I am a storyteller. I use music to tell stories relevant to contemporary society.
I consider myself a craftsman as well as an artist, tailoring my music to the needs of the project. Every new project begins with learning about the people, places, and ideas behind the music. For me, all successful compositions reflect that relationship – the mutual understanding between artist and subject – in a shared story.
I most often work with opera, art song, and chamber instrumental works. I find it easier to connect with people and make a story more specific and authentic when I can work with subjects and texts that matter to me intellectually or emotionally, and when I can write for specific performers and venues. I think this makes my music, and the process of creating it, more intimate and more personal.