Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
My primary vocation is that of classical guitarist. From that starting point I have been able to engage in many creative artistic endeavors such as leading the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra, teaching guitar lessons in all styles to beginners and advanced students alike and teaching general music at the elementary school level.
Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?
I have always been inspired by great albums. The format of the album is less prominent today with Youtube videos and the elevation of the single “song”, but I still believe it is an important format for a musician to create significant, lasting works of art. Over the past 12 years I have created four full length albums with the Orpheus Guitar Duo. Creating these albums has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my artistic life. You can listen to them (or buy them) on our Bandcamp page!
How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?
When I learned that I couldn’t rehearse with others or perform for the foreseeable future I was surprised by how quickly and easily I returned to focusing exclusively on solo classical guitar playing. I just love the sound of solo classical guitar, I love spending hours alone with my instrument and a few pieces that I have memorized, I love the discipline of practice. Everything I do in the community, in collaboration, in service all proceeds from and is nourished by the core of this solitary relationship with music that I have.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Years ago in a masterclass, my teacher Phillip de Fremery made a very simple statement that I return to again and again as I work on music. I forget the exact context, but I think I was arguing with him about the “right” way to play a certain passage. At some point he said, “ Well, you’re the one that has to play it.” To me this has come to mean that when making art you have to satisfy yourself first and foremost. Do you really believe in what you are doing? Really?
What superpower would you have and why?
I would choose the superpower of controlling time. Like at the end of Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey when they finally get up on stage at the Battle of the Bands and realize that after everything they’ve been through they never learned to play the guitar. So they go back in time, spend 20 years practicing, return and totally rock it, winning the battle and setting the universe on a course for perpetual peace and harmony. I think if I could stop time and practice for 20 years before each concert, I would be a very decent musician!