Artist statement

I am a student musician at the start of my journey. Although I did not begin studying music or take up an instrument until age 11 with the piano, followed by cello at age 12 and composing at 15, music has been an important part of my life as far back as I can remember. I was born into a world of melodies — my mother played the piano in the living room, my father played the ukulele as a hobby, both of them sang to me, and I'm told I continuously hummed and sang little songs I'd made up. From a very young age my mother would let me choose and play my favorites of her massive music collection that spanned every genre and regularly made me curated playlists, thus molding me into an ever-curious music enthusiast, too. It was a dear hope of hers that I would take up an instrument, and thanks to her loving guidance, tutelage, and unflagging support and encouragement, I am now deeply immersed in the study and craft of music. I am considering a degree in film music, my dream career.

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The classical canon has become special to me in a way I never would have expected. Playing the cello, solo or in orchestra, and writing music have often kept my head above the water, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel I often create just for the sake of creating, and the results of my spontaneous projects have helped me to understand my emotions and feel them to the fullest. I hope that becoming a film composer will give me the ability to touch as many people as possible worldwide with compelling and memorable music.

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I draw inspiration from the natural beauty of California, where I live, visual art, film, and literature, and both the European musical legacy and the American greats. Driving and often dense rhythmic patterns, lush harmonies, and tuneful hooks make up my style.

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