Do you ever wonder what life would be like without passion? The innate drive that motivates us all to push through any difficulty in life would be gone. We would struggle to find a meaning in what we do. We all need a sense of passion to lead a fulfilling life. Passions are sparked at the individual level, and it adds a sense of uniqueness and self-identity to every person. My passion lies in creating. What drives me through every difficult spot in my life is the knowledge that I can create a piece of art that others will hear; something that evokes a memory of something dear to them. To spark an emotion in someone else using my voice is a powerful tool. As long as I know my passion may impact at least one person, one individual who hears this art and feels something, I will know that my job has been done well.

I have been playing or creating music for as long as I can remember. From picking up my sister’s guitar at the age of 4, to learning to play drum set to fill in for a touring musical company, to composing original music debuted on stage performed by an incredible orchestra; music is all that I do. I studied at Ithaca College where I received a Bachelors in Music Performance. Percussion was my focus instrument, but while in school I learned proficient skills in all classical wind and string instruments, making me a very versatile player.

My journey at Ithaca College began under the noble guidance of Composer and Marimbist Gordon Stout. This is really where it all began for me. My playing abilities as a marimbist began to grow quickly. I got to study many subjects regarding my instrument with him, but the most valuable thing he taught me was my love for composing music. I had at this point composed a handful of pieces throughout high school and early college life. Some string quartets, percussion works, a wind trio. It wasn’t until I showed him my past works that I realized I have a real voice in music. I began writing more, and learning from Gordon about what it means to make a good piece of music. Gordon later dedicated a solo marimba piece to me titled “Dance Courte” which I debuted in a solo recital along with 3 other compositions of mine. Gordon retired in 2019, and I then began to study with the amazing Dr. Mike Truesdell and Professor Conrad Alexander. Through their teachings, I began to dig deep into myself as a person and as a player to find who I really am and to find my own unique and beautiful sound. I studied so much about the intricacies of my instrument, and through them had so many unique musical opportunities presented to me. I learned about drumming cultures from around the world (Ghana, Brazil, and Cuba.). I got to play some incredible works in ensemble, and I got to discover who I am as a solo player. I owe a lot of who I am today as a musician to my three incredible teachers in college.