As a musician based in Toronto, I’ve lived a creative life. Performing within Canada and abroad. Composing for, and recording with, several ensembles. And producing film scores, instructional videos, and a documentary about my psychoanalyst, Dr. Anderson.
composer performer producer
I have a keen interest in the creative process and the unconscious mind while attempting to live a healthy life.
As an instrumentalist, I play like a composer and improvise like a poet. And have a penchant for transcendent rhythm. I write lyrics, poetry and fiction. And use a cross-discipline approach to my work. I’ve received several grants from the Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council. And hold a B.F.A. Honours from York University (1988) in music composition and jazz performance and an interdisciplinary composition M.F.A. from Simon Fraser University (1993) and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto (1996).
since covid
Because there were no gigs during, and for a while after, the COVID-19 lockdown, it pushed a lot of my musical friends into early retirement. And though I’ll never retire, I have slowed down as a performer. Though, there’s talk of a summer gig with Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan. And Glass Orchestra rides the floor once or twice a year. A fun band that improvises on found glass instruments. For the time being, I’m not looking for gigs or composing projects. I need to finish a few long-term projects.
The lockdown made it easy to transition into writing more. A happy accident. Though I feel pressured to create more finished projects (to add to the pile). For many years, I’ve been honing a manuscript that leans into the unconscious mind of a troubled boy. And reading a lot. And occasionally writing songs.
teacher
My teaching career began by helping a singer-songwriter learn more chords. I was twenty-three. It’s blossomed into what I’m doing now at the Royal Conservatory . Currently, I see students on Saturday, Sunday, Monday each week. Even through COVID. The other four days, I write, and take care of our house with my partner.
You must be logged in to post a comment.