I am a composer and conductor from Minneapolis, MN. I spent the last year living in Scotland getting my Master's Degree in Vocal Music with royal wedding composer Paul Mealor. I am currently back living and composing in Minnesota and wherever else that takes me.

I love poetry, music, film and cooking. Huge comic book nerd and lover of animals.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a younger composer, I have the opportunity to travel all over the US and UK to be able to work with different ensembles and musicians. I completed my master's only a couple months ago, but most of the time I must cover my own travel expenses and accommodation in order to collaborate with such amazing artists. This can add up very quickly, especially for being only a couple months out of grad school and working as a professional musician, so I figured I would give this a try as I continue on my journey.

Interests

• poetry
• singing
• cooking
• comics
• music
• classical music
• whiskey
• choir
• scotland

Music, Movies, and Books

As a composer, I understand my musical tastes will be a bit odd... I love choral music, especially music of the Baltic region (composers like Arvo Part, Eriks Esenvalds, Veljo Tormis, etc.). A few of my favorite ensembles are Tenebrae, Roomful of Teeth, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, The Singers-MN Choral Artists, and the South Dakota Chorale.

I like a wide variety of movies. I'm a huge comic book nerd so naturally all of the marvel studios films, but I also love most work of Christopher Nolan, Joss Whedon (Buffy is my favorite show ever!!!!), Shane Black, and anything by Phil Lord & Chris Miller (Lego Movie, 21 & 22 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Clone High, etc.). Anything clever, witty, nerdy, or thrilling generally piques my interest.

I haven't been able to read a novel in forever since most everything I've read recently has been for academic research. However I have fallen in love with a few poets, namely Sara Teasdale, Radclffye Hall, Rabindrinath Tagore, Pablo Neruda, Rainer Maria Rilke, and many others.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

So far I have sung for the King of Norway, the Queen of England, the President of Ghana and Princess Anne of England.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not exactly sure what to do with this section. I imagine it is asking what I would like to be taught? If that is the case, I am interested to meet anyone who has taken an unconventional route to pursue their passion.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would be more than willing to share my music with you, whether that is in the form of a music lesson or mini performance of some kind.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Scotland, United States