Who or what influenced you to start playing the piano and how old were you when
you first began?
I started playing piano when I was nine largely because my parents bought me a small
toy keyboard for Christmas, meant to keep me busy. They were way too successful. I
fell in love with black and white keys and eventually begged them for lessons.
Who is your favorite musician and why?
I love Clare Fisher because of his amazing harmonic vocabulary. He truly is
innovating and rather unknown for such a monster composer and player.
Where would you like to perform someday if given the opportunity?
I would love to play at the Blue Note. I feel like that jazz club has an authentic vibe
full of history and culture.
Why did you want to participate in Spotlight?
I am constantly trying to display my music to the world. Spotlight was an opportunity
to do this for some extremely knowledgeable judges who could critique my work,
hopefully making me stronger as player and composer.
Do you have a mentor or mentors? If so, how long have you worked with them and
how have they helped you in your career?
I have worked with Kenny Ard for 4 years. He is a local classical teacher who in my
earlier years taught me the wonders of Beethoven, Debussy, and rudimentary jazz.
I currently study jazz with Rick Helzer and have worked with him for a year. I also
have learned orchestration techniques from Anthony Davis and jazz performance
from Geoffrey Keezer.
What was your experience like participating in Spotlight from auditions to master
classes?
Spotlight was a fun and wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to visit Los
Angeles in its finest and to meet friends who I don't normally meet. The master
class was fantastic, full of insight from John Beasley where I learned new tricks for
practicing and melding styles. I love the openness and kindness shown by all of
the spotlight members. This environment is more kind and influential to music and
especially jazz which rides on the vibes and energy of an audience.
What advice would you give to a student who felt they might not be ready to do
Spotlight?
Students should try their best to compete. Competition will not stop at Spotlight, it
continues throughout life. Spotlight is a really great way to ease into the roughness of
life without being fully impacted. Plus, it is all worth it for the comments which can
truly lead you in the right direction as a musician.
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