Today I have a renewed mission; one that combines my abilities as a composer in the 21st century, my teaching skills, along with an understanding of music as a healing tool.  CD recordings are available for sale.  Below are a few of the locations of past recitals.

Preludes for Piano

1. Dawn's Early Light

2. The Buzz Saw

3. The Wanderer

      I composed in Preludes for Piano in winter, 2010 in celebration of two events. My wonderful Kawai conservatory grand piano turned 25 years old in March, 2010 and Chopin’s bicentennial birthday occurred on March 1 of that year. Like Chopin’s masterful set of Preludes, Op. 28, my collection of 24 pieces is a series of miniatures in all major and minor keys. Each piece spans only one to two minutes. I determined the pieces should not be excessively difficult; something in the range of a college audition piece or possibly a work appropriate for a junior recital for the performance major. One rule predominated. No two pieces could sound alike.

     After completing the collection, I performed the preludes without titles. All went well and the audience was pleased. However, when I added titles, there was a dramatic and immediate connection between the music and the audience. Having an image to hold on to, listeners instantly became engaged in the music. Their listening experience was enhanced significantly. The imagery also allowed my playing to become far more creative. From the titles, I reveal that I am a romantic. A number of preludes reflect the love of the marriage to my one true sweetheart and bride of forty years. Some of the pieces were inspired by the sights and wonders of our European visits together.

At the Cathedral (Hymn Settings)

1. O God Our Help in Ages Past 

2. I Love to Tell the Story 

3. On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand

      At the Cathedral is a collection of 24 hymn settings for the piano set in classical style. All types of hymns are represented, from the serious nature of Lutheran chorales, to uplifting Wesley hymns, on to bouncy evangelical gospel songs. Each setting is unique from the others and its style stems from the characteristic message of its poetry. Listeners find the music to be highly original and worshipful

       At the Cathedral is an effective means to aid healing for those who are afflicted.  Because of the restoring qualities of music and the familarity of the hymn tunes, At the Cathedral has touched the hearats and souls of scores of people.  One gentleman wrote to me to say that his wife had such a severe case of Alzheimer's Disease that for the past two years he has not been able to communicate wit her.  However, when he plays the recording of these hymn settings, life returns in her eyes.  He knows that something is connecting in her hazy mind.  What a tribute to the power of music!