In my compositions, I try to combine the best elements of classical, romantic and modern style. From classicism: economy of means; clarity, balance and concision of form; and a strongly goal-oriented approach. From romanticism: a belief in music's expressive functions; an openness to sensuous beauty; and an inclination to large forms. From modernism: a healthy respect for originality and individuality; an openness to any technique which serves my chosen ends; and a desire to both challenge and reward performers and audiences.
My musical tastes generally coincide with those of audiences, and I have been most strongly influenced by tonal melodists of the twentieth century: Rachmaninoff, Walton, Korngold, Barber, and my teacher, Nicholas Maw.I began piano lessons at age six, oboe at age ten. After a detour into the worlds of science and mathematics, I rediscovered my childhood passion for music and began to compose. These worlds collided in my dissertation, an opera about Galileo. I have an A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and a D.M.A. in Composition from the Peabody Conservatory.