Education
I hold a Master of Music in Composition from the Mannes School of Music at New School University, where I was honored with the prestigious Martinů Prize and won several notable composition contests.
I also earned a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I engaged in international studies, created award-winning compositions, and developed versatile performance skills across multiple instruments.
Education
Master of Music
2009
New School University
Mannes College of Music
New York, NY
During my time at Mannes, I had the privilege of studying primarily with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec, whose mentorship deeply influenced my compositional voice. Additionally, I regularly collaborated with Keith Fitch and benefited from insightful lessons with renowned composers Jennifer Higdon and Christopher Theofanidis, which further honed my skills and broadened my artistic perspective.
Notable Achievements
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Martinů Prize (2009): Awarded for demonstrating a unique voice and originality in orchestral composition, this honor is given in memory of the esteemed composer and former Mannes faculty member Bohuslav Martinů.
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Orchestral Composition Contest Winner: Recognized for my work "Aquatic Refuge / Infernal Siege," this accolade highlighted my ability to create compelling and innovative orchestral pieces.
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CIRCE (Composer in Residence Contemporary Ensemble) Contest Winner: My composition "Second Circle" was selected, showcasing my proficiency in contemporary ensemble writing and my ability to engage with modern musical forms.
In addition to these honors, I composed "Passage (in Two Parts)" for solo violin and piano, which was premiered at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2008 by Matt Tosca and Alina Kiryayeva.
Bachelor of Music
2007
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
I earned my Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007, specializing in percussion performance and jazz studies.
Study Abroad Experience
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Spring 2003: Attended the Pražská konzervatoř in Prague, Czech Republic.
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Role: Concert percussionist
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Focus: Studied jazz vibraphone under Radek Krampl
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Culmination: Participated in a concert tour across the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria
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Academic and Performance Focus
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Jazz Vibraphone Studies
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Curriculum: Centered on the history of bebop and the jazz styles of the 1940s and 1950s
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Instructors
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Percussion and Wind Ensemble Performance
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Primary Instruments: Percussion and tuba
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Additional Instruments: F Horn
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Ensembles: Wind Ensemble (percussion), Concert Band (tuba), University Band (horn), Jazz Band (vibraphone), Jazz Combo (vibraphone), Marching Band (tenors, arranger), Lighter Shade of Blue (arranger)
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Mentors
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Concert Percussion Performance
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Instructor: Renowned percussion composer Lynn Glassock
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Composition
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Instructor: Allen Anderson
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Battery Percussion Composition
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Instructor: Esteemed drum arranger and instructor Matt Savage.
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Notable Achievements
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Dean's List for Academic Achievement
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2006 NASA (North American Saxophone Alliance) Composition Contest Winner:
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Composition: "Trinity" (Saxophone Quartet)
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