Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D. in Music Composition and Theory, University of Pittsburgh, April 2012.
Dissertation: Pitch Symmetry in Martin Bresnick’s My Twentieth Century and Meden Agan for Chamber Ensemble
Principal Teachers: Eric Moe, Mathew Rosenblum, Amy Williams
Dissertation Abstract

Master of Music in Composition, McGill University, Montreal, November 2006.
Masters Thesis: An analysis of my own composition, Acheron, River of Woe, for Wind Symphony
Principal Teachers: John Rea, Christophe Niedhoeffer

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Composition, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, May 2004.
Principal Teachers: Nancy Galbraith, Leonardo Balada, Efrain Amaya

Teaching Experience

Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, 2014-present

Instrumental and Vocal Faculty

AP Music Theory

Composition

Rock Orchestra

Music Theory 6-8

Solfege

Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program, Summer 2006, 2014-present

Composition Teacher: private composition lessons and Composers Forum

University of Pittsburgh, 2007-2012

Instructor (full responsibility for content, lectures, and grading)

Fundamentals of Western Music (eight semesters) info

A class designed to prepare students for Theory 1 and to develop basic performance skills. Course introduces notation, scales, time and key signatures, basic rhythmic patterns, phrases, chords, basic chord progressions, cadences, and an introduction to four-part writing. All of this is done while developing keyboard skills, and creativity is encouraged through the use of composition assignments and projects.

Class Piano (five semesters) info

This class teaches non-music majors basic keyboard and musicianship skills.

Theory 1 (one semester) info

Theory 1 introduces students to four-part writing and covers intervals, triads, seventh chords, figured bass notation, harmonic progressions, cadences, phrases and periods, and non-chord tones. Students demonstrate the realization of these concepts through keyboard audits.

Teaching Assistant

Theory 1 (two semesters)

University Orchestra (two semesters) info

The orchestra TA assists the conductor as needed; setting up the stage and equipment, conducting and running rehearsal passages as needed, and assisting with the music library. The TA also conducts several pieces at the orchestra concerts throughout the semester.

McGill University, 2004-2006

Teaching Assistant

Principles of Counterpoint (two semesters) info

This class covers sixteenth-century counterpoint: modes, the five species of counterpoint, cadences, imitation, canons, four-part writing, and invertible counterpoint.

Theory 1 (one semester) info

This class introduces students to four-part writing and covers intervals, triads, seventh chords, figured bass notation, harmonic progressions, cadences, phrases and periods, and non-chord tones. Proper voice leading techniques are particularly emphasized.

Music Appreciation (one semester) info

This class teaches non-musicians how to listen to and appreciate classical music, covering basic concepts such as form and texture, and providing historical context.

Selected Instrumental Performance Experience

Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra, principal bassoon (2013-present)

Alia Musica Pittsburgh, bassoon (2007-present)

University of Pittsburgh Orchestra, principal bassoon (2006-2011)

Mobius Saxophone Quartet, baritone saxophone (2007-2009)

Carnegie Mellon University Jazz Ensemble, baritone saxophone (2000-2004, 2006-2007)

Carnegie Mellon University Contemporary Ensemble, bassoon (2002-2004)

Carnegie Mellon University Wind Ensemble, bassoon (2003-2004)

Carnegie Mellon University Concert Choir (2000-2003)

Professional Memberships

Alia Musica Pittsburgh, 2007-present

ASCAP, 2004-present (member)