After many years as a professional conductor (an activity that also involves a great deal of teaching), I chose to focus my musical energies on working in higher education. I discovered that I loved interacting with students and helping them explore a wide range of subjects, from music theory and composition to film music and world music.
One of the delights of teaching at Alma College was the opportunity to lead a variety of courses rather than being confined exclusively to a single discipline. Over 20 years I taught many different topics
including:
Fundamentals of Music
Music Theory I, III, & IV
Aural Skills I & II
Orchestration and Arranging
Film Music
Beginning and Advanced Conducting
Introduction to World Music
First Year Seminars
Musical Theatre Techniques
Applied Composition
Career Skills for Musicians
As a firm believer in the value of the liberal arts, I've enjoyed helping students make connections between music and other disciplines. This was most evident in the series of First Year Seminars that I led, which focussed on the interdisciplinary relationship between music, art, dance, math, poetry, health, technology, and many other social topics.
I also greatly enjoyed being a guest lecturer in math, philosophy and other classes, speaking on topics ranging from aesthetics to music in the fourth dimension.