Biography
A native of Ellicott City, Maryland, I have been involved with all things musical since a very young age. My first instrument was guitar and my studies lasted for nearly ten years. While attending Towson University, I switched my major interest from playing guitar to musical composition. Having found my niche, I changed my major from education to music theory and composition. The rest as they say, is history.
My Love Affair With Sound Synthesis
In my teens, I became entranced with synthesizers and sound synthesis. That love of all things electronic has continued even to this day. Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Trevor Wishart are some of the most important musical influences for me as a composer when it comes to the style of electronic/computer music. Studying at the University of York under the guidance of Dr. Tony Meyers opened many doors for me from a compositional standpoint. For the first time, I was able to create sounds I had only dreamed about since I was a teenager. The technology had finally caught up with what was in my head.
Into The Mystery
When I came back from York I didn't create any large pieces for quite a while. Separated from the technology by an ocean, I decided to pursue my interest in audio engineering by obtaining a certification from Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts located in Phoenix, Maryland. Unfortunately, after everything, I still didn't have the means to upgrade my studio to create the electronic compositions that I wanted to write. I began to think about writing for traditional instruments again, in particular the voice. The seeds of thought had been planted and the project 'Into The Mystery' began to take shape. One of my greatest inspirations for this work came from attending the Universal Dances of Peace meetings at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. The melodies that we sung were very simple and the words were in many different languages, I, however, kept hearing harmonies - other vocal parts - as we were singing. Unable to get this music out of my head, I began to write it down. I prayed about the project and felt lead by the Holy Spirit to create an entire collection of works dedicated to God. Two years later, with a lot of encouragement and hard work from a wonderful group of singers, 'Into The Mystery' was finally recorded and completed.
I hope that you enjoy this collection of songs, whether it be while meditating, praying, or just taking time to unwind after a long day. May the peace of God be with you.
Education
Sheffield Institute For The Recording Arts - Certification in Sound Engineering (2002)
University of York - MA in Computer Music Composition (2000)
Towson University - Graduated Cum Laude in 1995 with a BS in Music Theory