Compositions
Each of the pieces below was informed by my years in the classroom and the teaching goals of my colleagues and me. Most of them also have a story or tie to an inspiring place to help sell the piece to students.
With pieces between grades 1 and 4, I hope you find a piece that suits your classroom!
One of the so-called Never Summer Mountains (Colorado, US)
Pieces Coming Soon:
Quicksand (2.5)
Capybara Cha-Cha (0.5)
Dead Reckoning
Grade 4 / Published 2025 / View Publisher Site
An introduction to 6/8 time, inspired by the historical sea and air navigation technique.
Bear on the Square
Grade 1 / 2025 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
A perfect venue for first-year students to play double stops and work on bow technique.
Acadian Solstice
Grade 3.5 / 2024 / Listen on SoundCloud / View Publisher Site
Lyrical and pastoral piece with a violin solo, inspired by my hikes in Maine
Stegosaurus Stomp
Grade 1 / 2024 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
The orchestra actually gets to stomp! This piece is also a friendly way for younger students to work on different types of articulation.
Never Summer Mountain
Grade 1.5 / 2023 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
A piece for developing bow technique with a catchy melody where all sections get to have the theme, inspired by hikes in the Rockies.
Someday
Grade 4 / 2023 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
This melodic piece serves as a venue for students to develop skills for expressive playing before approaching the bigger lyrical string pieces.
Also available for percussion ensemble