Arranging
Finding music for small ensembles and unusual instrumentation can be challenging. When my brothers and I began performing as a String Trio, it became clear that there was much more music available for string quartets than for string trios. Similarly we have had requests for hymns, folk, and popular music throughout our careers and this is how I got started arranging music. Arranging can involve simply transposing music, sometimes arranging from a different medium (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, to violin, viola, cello, bass), and occassionally recreating music from memory or a recording. Before arranging anything that is not public domain, always check with the publisher/composer and get their permission so as not to violate any copyright laws.
Composing
Many musicians compose as a hobby in their spare time. I have
been composing music off and on since high school and I also took a
course in composition at the University of South Carolina School of
Music under Dr. Samuel Douglas. While I have written music in many styles for a
variety of instrumentations, I have provided one of my cadenzas as a
sample of my work below
in Finale file format. A screenshot of the music in jpeg format
is provided for those without Finale software. Keep in mind that
what you see in the screenshot is an open file in Finale which
cleans up and looks even more professional once printed.
Finale File for Violin Cadenza
Screenshot of Violin Cadenza
Publishing
I am proficient in using Finale software to publish music. I have been using this software to publish music for several years. It is invaluable software for creating clear, professional quality music in both part and score form.
Recording
Although I do not have the funds or the need to own professional recording equipment, I do have a laptop, professional recording software, and a nice korg keyboard on loan from a relative. I've also purchased several different microphones recently. I periodically record music from a wide variety of textures and genres, but mostly I use this to record my students performing their literature.
