I started writing music for the theatre after being in productions and feeling the impact music had in telling a story. It is a part of the collaboration where director, actors, scenic, props, light and sound work together to create something magical for an audience and draw them into the story. I love creating music that enhances the story for an audience (and the actors); the music plays a supporting role and should support the director’s vision while seamlessly blending in with everything happening on stage.

I grew up in Ralston, Nebraska and currently live in Tijeras, New Mexico (outside of Albuquerque) with my wife (the world’s greatest stage manager). My daughter graduated from the University of Nebraska as a composition and music education major and is an elementary music teacher. She also composes fantastic music for the theatre and does sound design (she was the 2021 Broadway World Regional Theatre Award Recipient for Sound Design). I graduated from the University of Kansas and received my Masters from Northwestern University.

My composition experience is wide ranging; it includes music for the theatre, church choirs, community choirs/orchestra and arrangements for show choirs and a cappella groups. I served on the Board of Directors of the Des Moines Playhouse, am a member of the American Association of Community Theatre and have served on a number of other local and national boards.

I have been honored to receive two Cloris Awards (Greater Des Moines Cloris Leachman Award for Excellence in Theatre) for Outstanding Sound Design as well as an honorable mention in the American Association of Community Theatre’s Design competition.

If you want information on how to use my compositions or to discuss a new project, please fill out the “Contact Me” page.