My most joyful music making or music listening experiences have been when music communicated, healed, or inspired the listener. I love the connections between my fellow human beings that occur when music speaks to them. I am driven to pursue the learning and performing of music at the highest level so that I can communicate the intents of the composer when the music was created, and to let the music speak. I believe that music has the ability to transcend spoken or written language, it has the ability to unite and to heal, it can move and inspire people to action.
As an organist, I aspire to enhance the worship experience for my congregation. When a congregation is truly supported and inspired in their hymn singing, the experience can be transformative. As a choir director, I want my choir to communicate, to make connections with the music and the text which speak to their audience. Music is a gift, and at its best it demands generosity and love from the performer.
Teaching is a vital part of my life as a musician and a way for me to pay homage to the many inspiring teachers which have made an enormous difference in my own life. I hope to inspire students to make a difference in whatever sphere they move in, to create music which enhances worship in their own congregations, to inspire them in their private moments, to discover music’s ability to stimulate minds while healing souls, to communicate profound thoughts.