I’ve
been making and sharing music for a long time. Soundstone Music is the result of my passion for creating music that brings joy to life.
(If you are looking for a formal, written-in-third-person, name-dropping biography, you are in the wrong place. Email me if you need that.)
I was raised in a family that loves music. My classical piano studies began at age 5 and continued through my early years. When I was 14 years old, I started learning how to improvise at the keyboard. I soon put that skill to work in our church’s worship bands, where I would learn what it takes to be in an ensemble. I continue to serve in that way today at Lambrick Park Church in Victoria.
At the same time, I became interested in the film music of some of my favorite movies at the time (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc.). My piano teacher was able to show me how to compose simple pieces on the computer by layering instruments together. That sparked a passion for composing. That year I had the chance to write a score for a local film called Friday Night which was shown at a movie theatre in Red Deer, Alberta.
That project provided the motivation to go to music school, where I pursued a BMus degree in Composition and Theory. I studied orchestration, harmony, music theory, and modern music, while gaining experience performing at the piano and in choirs. After graduation I worked for a year in Edmonton as a piano teacher and then moved to Victoria with my wife, Heidi.
Since that time I have been working days at the fabulous Magnolia Hotel, and evenings as a musician. In November 2008 I created Soundstone Music as a home base for my musical ambitions. In 2009 I asked the Magnolia if they would please add a grand piano to their lobby, and they agreed. I have been performing as a pianist there ever since. My other work has included accompanying singers, transcribing music, and composing. In 2010 I worked with Victorian film student Sandra Quinn to score her film Motionless.
Since moving to Victoria I have taken a keen interest in business, and particularly social media marketing. I have developed skills to communicate great ideas through my work at the Magnolia and at Soundstone Music.
In March 2011, my orchestral piece Prayer Without Words was selected by the Victoria Symphony to be read at their composers’ workshop. Hearing my music played by a pro orchestra had been a dream of mine since I started to improvise at the piano and was one of the most exciting moments of this year.
To find out what’s going on right now, visit my blog, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
