Music in my life...
If you read the bio's of most artists and songwriters, they will begin something like this...
"I've been singing publicly since I was very young"...
Well, I'm no different. For me it was age 9, singing Whispering Hope and accompanying myself on the ukulele. Wearing a blue mohair sweater. What a picture that must have been!
And for as far back as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my life. When I was a kid there was always at least one piano at home. My dad was a piano tuner and technician, so I never lacked for a piano, and I played them frequently. Early lessons did not go well. I preferred to play by ear and improvise, rather than play assigned music.
That desire to create something new led me to begin expressing myself through music. Inspired by my brother Richard, who has written several songs, I realized that I too had a talent for song writing.
The death of my mother when I was 18, and her courage and faith while living, had a profound effect on me. Music provided a much needed emotional outlet during that difficult time.
My earlier songs were based on guitar accompaniment, but I realized that using piano would allow for more richness and variety. My ability to improvise and experiment on the piano has been vital in the development of my musical style. And especially in recent years I have steadfastly held to the belief that Christian music doesn't have to be simplistic or repetitive to be effective.
Most of my songs draw inspiration from life's experiences, both happy and sad, and I try to convey emotion in an open and personal way. Because family is very important to me, many of my songs center on family. And they all have a spiritual nature, reflecting my belief in a living and personal Savior.
"I've been singing publicly since I was very young"...
Well, I'm no different. For me it was age 9, singing Whispering Hope and accompanying myself on the ukulele. Wearing a blue mohair sweater. What a picture that must have been!
And for as far back as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my life. When I was a kid there was always at least one piano at home. My dad was a piano tuner and technician, so I never lacked for a piano, and I played them frequently. Early lessons did not go well. I preferred to play by ear and improvise, rather than play assigned music.
That desire to create something new led me to begin expressing myself through music. Inspired by my brother Richard, who has written several songs, I realized that I too had a talent for song writing.
The death of my mother when I was 18, and her courage and faith while living, had a profound effect on me. Music provided a much needed emotional outlet during that difficult time.
My earlier songs were based on guitar accompaniment, but I realized that using piano would allow for more richness and variety. My ability to improvise and experiment on the piano has been vital in the development of my musical style. And especially in recent years I have steadfastly held to the belief that Christian music doesn't have to be simplistic or repetitive to be effective.
Most of my songs draw inspiration from life's experiences, both happy and sad, and I try to convey emotion in an open and personal way. Because family is very important to me, many of my songs center on family. And they all have a spiritual nature, reflecting my belief in a living and personal Savior.