What, Why
Composing with notated music, recorded sound, words, and more – for me it's about emotional flow, that rare ebb and flood of story & sound that can raise the hair on your arms. Whatever the medium, I'll be chasing those goosebumps throughout my concert music, lyrics and librettos, and media collaborations.
Back When
I grew up in the mountains of northern New Mexico surrounded by natural beauty and music. Early education in Orff, piano, cello, and children's choir put music at my core. I split my studies between life sciences and composing, and made my way in science communications – with a much-enjoyed side gig in ballroom dance – before returning home to music. I studied composition (MM) with Elinor Armer at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and media composing (PSD) in SFCM's department of Technology and Applied Composition.
Photo: Matheus Coura
Photo: Amelie-Anna Hinman
Today
I feel very fortunate to split my time among composing, orchestration gigs, and teaching at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I've been honored to receive a commission from the SFCM Clarinet Ensemble and Helia Music Collective, second prize in the 2019 SF Conservatory Biennial Art Song Composition Competition, and third prize in the 2018 SF Conservatory Biennial Choral Composition Competition. I am a member of ASCAP, NACUSAsf, the San Francisco-based Accidental Composers Collective, and an orchestration team member with NovoMusic audio production company.