We all know that musical expression is powerful, and can have a huge impact on children’s lives. As a longtime composer in multiple genres, I think there are few things are as satisfying as performing one’s own music. And when children and teenagers are the ones doing the composing, that satisfaction level goes through the roof. I’ve found that children can be some of most fearless creators out there, and when we work together – when they realize they can be free to create from their imagination, little hearts swell, and the enormous satisfaction that comes from hearing what they’ve composed simply cannot be measured.

Composing is also therapeutic, calming, and can bring about increased levels of focus. I relish those same enriching feelings when I compose. That’s why I enjoy teaching young people; I get the additional satisfaction of passing on each of those benefits to the next generations to follow.