Audio Files:

Videos:

Style:

I avoid fads and gimmicks in my writing, concentrating instead on the time-honored principles of craft. My style is influenced by the music of Ravel, Copland, Debussy, and Stravinsky. I rely on traditional forms, imitative counterpoint, and clear literal repetitions. For me, the heart of composition is in development. The challenge is to let the music unfold logically and seamlessly, as though it is driven by the laws of nature. During exposition, I strive to present basic thematic material clearly so that the audience can assimilate it and vicariously participate in the act of composing.

Awards:

• Modern Music Festival 2000 International Film Scoring Prize
• MTNA-VMTA Commissioned Composer Awards (1992, 1994, 2004, 2012, 2017, 2019)
• ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards: Bronze Medalist (2003)
• Delius Vocal (1992) and Keyboard (1995) Category Composer Awards
• Grants from the American Music Center and Meet the Composer
• iUniverse Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice awards (2004, 2005)
• JPF Classical Orchestral Album of the Year (2006)
• ASCAP Plus Awards every year since 1994

Film Scoring:

I can write in any art music style from the Medieval Era through the present. My personal skill set and sensibilities are best suited for films that emphasize human emotions and interactions rather than mind-numbing bombast and special effects. A good film score intensifies emotional content, clarifies the film's rhythm, and provides a bit of "glue" to unify the action. If you want a score that will help you win awards at festivals and contests, I can help. You'll find examples of my concert music on my "Catalog" page and examples of my film music on my "Film Scoring Demo" page.