Composing Is Physically Exhausting
I always feel physically exhausted after spending as little as a few hours sitting at my desk composing. Even though
The Language of Trees: Lessons from the Forest
On this National Tree Day, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to the importance of trees in
Silence Between the Notes: The Importance of Rest in Music and Life
When I was a composition student at the University of Toronto, I had the pleasure of studying with Walter Buczynski.
A New Violin Concerto: Looking Back, Looking Forward
I’m excited to announce a new commission from German violinist Kathrin ten Hagen and Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar to compose a
Living Through Political Turmoil
As a Canadian, the news of the last couple of weeks has been most unsettling. With all due respect to
The Real New Year
It’s that time of year again when students and teachers head back to school. Although I don’t teach as much
Petrichor: A Day of Music, Nature, and Connection
Last Friday was special on so many levels. A day trip to Ontario’s Saugeen Peninsula gave me the opportunity to
The Gift of Feedback
I’ve long said that my primary motivation for composing music is communication. More specifically, I strive to make every piece
New Commission: Still, Moving Light
I’m thrilled to announce that my next composing commission comes from the exceptional trumpeter, flugelhorn player, and educator John Cord, based
Kelowna Residency Recap
What an extraordinary month it has been for Lisa and me here in Kelowna. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of
Crafting Without a Blueprint: The Joy of Spontaneous Creation
A lot of people know me as someone with a very Type A personality. I like things to be highly
The Cost of Compromise
Long before becoming Prime Minister, Mark Carney warned that climate change wasn’t simply an environmental issue – it was a
I’m In Kelowna!
It’s taken me 16 years, but I’ve finally returned to beautiful Kelowna, BC (again for music!). Nestled within the breathtaking
Summer Reflections: Small Thoughts for Big Changes
The start of summer always inspires me to do something I value — set aside time to reflect on where
Listening to the Earth: How Nature Fuels My Creativity
Whenever I feel creatively blocked, I step outside. Nature recalibrates me. The rhythm of wind through leaves, the steady pulse
