Musician, teacher & composer

“Specialising in composition for brass and small ensemble, I construct works for advanced players that are technically intricate, musically complex and written specifically with the brass sound in mind.”

I began my career playing Trumpet in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1976. I began composition at a very early age always making up little tunes on the piano and at a later stage writing them down as I learnt to write music. My music was always melodically based and that tends to underpin the way that I go about my composition. I have formal training in harmony, counterpoint, rhythm and music history from the University of Melbourne, however my strongest assets come from my experience as a professional player.  I have had the good fortune of working with orchestras, big bands and an assortment of ensembles in classical and commercial spheres and have been able to listen and learn from the greatest composers, writers and arrangers. 

Specialising in composition for brass and small ensemble, I construct works for advanced players that are technically intricate, musically complex and written specifically with the brass sound in mind.  

Stylistically, while I always aim to mould my music to suit the nature of the work or musicians that I am writing for, I tend to gravitate towards lyrical melodic lines and enjoy experimenting with a combination of consonant and dissonant harmony.

Composers that have inspired me the most have been Bach, Mozart, Mahler, Stravinsky and Prokofiev.  I also particularly like John Barry’s film music.