Andrew began studying music at age 6 at a community music school where he took group music classes and piano lessons as a recreational activity. At age 17, as a senior in high school, he decided to pursue music seriously, so at that point he began immersing himself in the world of classical music with the help and encouragement of incredibly supportive music teachers. He obtained undergraduate degrees in Music Composition and Piano Performance (B.M.) from James Madison University’s School of Music. He pursued further graduate studies in Piano Performance (M.M.) and Collaborative Piano (M.M.) respectively at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and at the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance.
His experiences have led to professional engagements with numerous music festivals and organizations including Cascadia Concert Opera, Opera Nova Costa Rica, Astoria Music Festival, Interlochen Arts Camp, Bay View Music Festival, Indiana University Opera Theater, Indiana University Pre-College Ballet, Reimagining Opera for Kids, Luray Opera Theater, Staunton Music Festival, MasterWorks Festival, and Brevard Music Festival. As a professional piano accompanist, Andrew has accompanied classical art song, opera, musical theater, choir, ballet, and instrumental chamber music. Outside of music, Andrew loves learning foreign languages, enjoys trying to play tennis, and has trained for several years in Chinese Martial Arts.
Background, professional training and performance history
Andrew began studying music at age 6 at a community music school where he took group music classes and piano lessons as a recreational activity. At age 17, as a senior in high school, he decided to pursue music seriously, so at that point he began immersing himself in the world of classical music with the help and encouragement of incredibly supportive music teachers. He obtained undergraduate degrees in Music Composition and Piano Performance (B.M.) from James Madison University’s School of Music. He pursued further graduate studies in Piano Performance (M.M.) and Collaborative Piano (M.M.) respectively at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and at the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance.
His experiences have led to professional engagements with numerous music festivals and organizations including Cascadia Concert Opera, Opera Nova Costa Rica, Astoria Music Festival, Interlochen Arts Camp, Bay View Music Festival, Indiana University Opera Theater, Indiana University Pre-College Ballet, Reimagining Opera for Kids, Luray Opera Theater, Staunton Music Festival, MasterWorks Festival, and Brevard Music Festival. As a professional piano accompanist, Andrew has accompanied classical art song, opera, musical theater, choir, ballet, and instrumental chamber music. Outside of music, Andrew loves learning foreign languages, enjoys trying to play tennis, and has trained for several years in Chinese Martial Arts.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
I believe it is never too late to explore music and to study an instrument, whether it is coming to it for the first time or picking up again after having taken a break. Having only studied piano casually up until my senior year in high school, I felt that I was far behind my peers in regards to technical and artistic development as well as musical exposure when I decided to pursue piano seriously. I learned and am still learning how to overcome many obstacles that get in the way of making music at the piano, and I have enjoyed the help of some very supportive teachers. Consequently, I sympathize with and am interested in helping students who want to play the piano but think it is “too late” for them.
As a teacher, I am very patient and gentle. I encourage students to use their ears to listen carefully to their own sound, to internalize rhythm before playing, to strive for not just notes but nuance, and to engage the imagination through creative and personally thoughtful understanding of the music. I would love the opportunity to support you in your pursuits, whether you want to play the piano casually or intend to study music seriously.
Instruments & classes taught
Andrew teaches piano (classical and popular), music theory, music composition, and piano accompaniment.