Music
My solo ambient/experimental project Shadow Plea has served as a song journal for just over 10 years. Most releases are collections of short vignettes, lo-fi sound collages, loops, and sketches that attempt to capture moments of my life through echoing melodies. My live performances as Shadow Plea often involve free association crowd participation, inviting others to use the performance as an opportunity for cathartic self-expression. As a musician and music educator, I am dedicated to making music creation accessible to all. My artist residencies have focused heavily on teaching middle- and high school-aged students how to create and publish music on their own using freely available software and resources. My teaching focuses on non-traditional composition, music making, and multicultural music exploration rather than relying on Western music theory principles. I founded Picnic Studios in Erie along with partner CHauncey Hay as a “pay what you can” full service recording studio, providing sound design, recording, production, engineering, mixing, and mastering for a flexible fee in the city of Erie, PA. I incorporate Social and Emotional Learning techniques in both my everyday performances and artist residencies, teaching mental health and wellness exercises alongside creative expression.