I write music that is unashamedly tonal and melodic in nature. I do so because I love music that is primarily consonant, lyrical and accessible to a wide audience. At the same time, I am not unaware of current trends in new music. Those currents do inform my work in ways which enlarge and enrich my own musical vocabulary. I am constantly listening to new music, and have a wide network of composer friends which include two whom have won Pulitzer Prizes for their work.
My music is often rhythmically charged with changing meters and shifting accents. It contains very rich, colorful harmony, which is not shy of dissonance for the sake of expression, or enrichment of basic triadic sonorities, or the creation of new harmonic entities altogether. It often makes use of “free” tonality that is unconstrained by functional circle of fifths progressions, is produced by linear motion, and has a center of attraction that could be any combination of notes towards which this linear harmonic motion is impelled. It is by all means, lyric, with an emphasis on memorable melody. I believe it is the artist’s calling to make his vision accessible to as many people as possible, but without compromising the quality or integrity of the writing that incarnates that vision.
I write for the traditional ensembles of “classical” music, and have pieces in my catalogue representative of a rich variety of classical genres. Writing for choir, orchestra, accompanied solo voice, chamber music ensembles, instrumental solos, children’s choir, and handbell choir are special loves of mine, and I have received many commissions to write for the same.
When working in my studio, I use Dorico@ music notation software with which to compose. I am not a pianist, so everything I write comes out of my imagination, is transferred to Dorico, auditioned by my ear, then evaluated for its musical characteristics and beauty. The resulting material may be rejected altogether. It may also fit the desired musical intention perfectly.
More often, the given idea needs work to be shaped into what I desire it to be. Sometimes the material may be kept for later use in the current or another piece. Always, the compositional process is a fascinating, exhilarating, and sometimes frustrating exploration of musical landscapes yet unknown. It is done with a passion and love for the art that compels an excellence and beauty of expression which, at its best, may produce an experience of transcendence.