I have been writing songs for my whole adult life.  Are you inspired by something you’ve encountered?  Wanting to commemorate or archive a special event?  Looking for a promotion for your idea?  If you think you might be helped by music and lyric, we could be a fit.  Browse the information below for my story and some samples of my work.

As a young college-aged man, searching for how to express myself about the pain and joy in my life and in the world, I discovered songwriting as a medium.  My creative writing and music double minor provided academic support for this gift.  Though I don’t have a noteworthy voice, and am untrained in sound production, my knack for composing melody, lyric, and piano accompaniment has occasionally resulted in some real gems.  I have local contacts among vocalists, studios, and mastering professionals to make sure the full sound is realized.

Beyond my own experience, select encounters have resulted in song-origination inspiration.  For instance, in 2005 driving to Kona, I happened to pick up a hitch hiker who spent two hours revealing to me the suffering of his crystal methamphetamine addiction.  With the help of Hawai`i County R & D’s “Healing Our Island” grant and local business donations, I wrote the award-winning hip/hop song  “Life or Ice,” subsequently administering/producing a wonderful youth collaboration to record and film.

Over the course of five years, I worked as composer and musical director of Dragon’s Eye Learning Center (DELC) original after school program theater productions.

In 2018, I worked for a local educational initiative, YO!PAC, to write a promotional song which married themes from the popular computer game, Minecraft, with the development of a youth-owned permaculture cooperative.  The gifted Kumsa Maphalala, my hanai daughter, sang and recorded this song.

My base rate is $60/hr., including consult.  Originator will retain songwriting copyright.