Core Values: Imagine – Learn – Inspire – Lead

Those 4 words jumped out at me during one career training seminar.  Here’s how they relate to music:

• Imagine: when I hear a song, I not only hear it for what it is but what it can be.
• Learn: learning something new is what pushes my button.
• Inspire: that’s what music does to me, and that’s what I hope my music  does to others.
• Lead: not that I have a huge ego (I’m great at following someone else’s lead) but I enjoy making contributions through my leadership.

Quick Bio

1. Born in Tokyo in 1973.
2. Moved to São Paulo at age 12.  Attended Japanese- and English-speaking schools.  (Didn’t learn Portuguese)
3. Started piano at age 10, guitar at 16
4. Was a camp counsellor at Ingham-Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, summers of 90-95
5. Graduated from St. Olaf College in 1996 with a degree in music theory/composition
6. Lived in/near Austin, Texas from 1997-2007
7. Currently live in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Employed by a major e-commerce agency as a web developer, telecommuting 80% of time

My past accomplishments include:

• scoring a successful indie movie,
• producing a successful indie folk/parody album,
• releasing a rock album,
• building a cob (adobe) cottage with my wife,
• being a good husband and father to my wife and children.