Compositions
London Études
London Études is a charming collection of six piano pieces inspired by iconic landmarks and experiences in England’s capital. Composed in honor of my students who traveled to London to perform at the Elena Cobb Star Festival at Royal Albert Hall in 2023, the set celebrates the vibrant spirit of the city through music. From the bustling energy of “London By Bus” to the serene beauty of “Strolling Through Hyde Park,” each étude captures a unique facet of London life. “Castles and Cathedrals” evokes the grandeur of the city's historic architecture, while “The London Eye” offers a whimsical, rotating view of modern life. “Albert Hall” pays tribute to London’s rich musical heritage, and “Hampton Court Palace” closes the set with regal elegance. Together, these pieces offer a heartfelt musical journey through London’s past and present.
-
Hop on for a musical ride through the lively streets of London! “London By Bus” captures the excitement of zooming through traffic, dodging pedestrians, and spotting famous landmarks from the top of a double-decker. With its playful rhythm and energetic bounce, this piece is full of movement and fun. It’s a great pick for pianists looking to challenge their fingers while telling a vivid, fast-paced story.
-
This piece exudes quiet majesty, evoking the grandeur of towering stone castles and the hushed reverence of ancient cathedrals. The music unfolds with strong, steady chords and a graceful, lyrical melody, casting a spell of elegance and mystery. The sweeping chord inversions are a reminder of the power of royalty who graced these magnificent halls in times past and present, echoing centuries of history, ceremony, and enduring splendor.
-
This cheerful, lighthearted piece captures the feeling of riding the London Eye—the giant Ferris wheel that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city. The music gently spins and rises, like the slow turn of the wheel, offering a sense of wonder as the city comes into view below. With its modern style and playful charm, it’s a musical celebration of curiosity and exploration.
-
Soft and soothing, this piece feels like a calm walk through Hyde Park on a quiet afternoon. The music flows gently, like sunlight through the trees or swans drifting across the water. It invites the player to slow down and play with feeling, making it a lovely way to explore expression and musical storytelling.
-
Full of emotion and drama, this piece feels like a celebration of music itself. It brings to mind the excitement of a live concert at a grand place like Albert Hall—with soaring melodies, bold contrasts, and moments that really pull at the heart. It’s a powerful, expressive piece that captures the magic of a performance coming to life on stage.
-
This stylish piece feels like a royal dance with a modern, jazzy flair. It has the graceful rhythm of an old-fashioned courtly dance, but with a fun twist—smooth harmonies and unexpected notes that give it a cool, sophisticated vibe. Elegant and playful, it’s a clever mix of past and present that makes for a charming grand finale.
American Landscapes
"American Landscapes" is a suite of four evocative pieces that take the listener on a journey from the first light of dawn in the East to the fading glow of sunset in the West. Beginning with "Appalachia," the suite captures the misty morning stillness of the rolling mountains, moving through the sweeping plains of "Prairie Wind" and the grand majesty of "Monuments of the Desert." It concludes with "Sunset Over the Sonora," where colors melt into the desert horizon. Each piece is rich and cinematic, painting vivid scenes of America's diverse and breathtaking beauty.
-
Dedicated to those impacted by Hurricane Helen, with hopes for healing and renewal.
This piece is my way of sharing the quiet beauty of a morning in the Appalachian Mountains. I wanted to evoke that peaceful moment when the sun first rises, casting light over the landscape. To ground the piece in something familiar, I’ve woven in the Shaker hymn—a melody that feels timeless, just like the mountains themselves. This piece is a reflection of my connection to nature, and I hope it transports you to that serene, sacred space.
-
This piece captures the essence of the open plains, evoking images of golden fields swaying gently beneath a vast blue sky. Its lilting melodies and rhythmic undertones conjure the carefree spirit of a summer afternoon, inviting listeners to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin and the breeze in their hair. Rooted in a middle-Americana sound, this piece invites you to leave your worries behind, to frolic barefoot in wide open spaces, and to embrace the simple joy of nature's beauty.
-
This piece is a grand, cinematic composition that evokes the vastness and timeless beauty of the desert landscape. Rich, sweeping harmonies mirror the towering rock formations and open skies, while subtle motifs honor the Native peoples who first walked this land, their spirit woven into the melody. This piece is a tribute to both the enduring strength of the natural world and the deep cultural heritage that remains etched into its sands and stone.
-
This is an impressionist piece that paints the vibrant hues of the desert sky at dusk. With delicate, shifting harmonies, it captures the ever-changing colors as the sun sinks below the horizon—warm oranges, deep purples, and fading golds. The music evokes a serene yet vivid atmosphere, immersing the listener in the tranquil beauty of a Sonoran sunset, where light dances across the sands and the desert comes alive in a final flourish of color.
Beach Days
"Beach Days" is a vibrant and playful collection that captures the carefree spirit of a day by the shore. From the lively rhythms of setting up camp in "Camping on the Beach" to the serene beauty of "Starlight and Waves," each piece evokes a unique seaside experience. "Sunset on the Bay" sways with easy jazz as the day winds down, while "Surfing Lesson" rides on humorous blues rhythms, and "Walking the Boardwalk" celebrates the fun-filled atmosphere of a day spent by the ocean. With "Ice Cream on Saturday" offering a sweet, ragtime finale, this suite brings the sights, sounds, and joy of beach life to life in a rich musical tapestry.
-
“Camping on the Beach" captures the excitement of setting up camp with lively ragtime rhythms, evoking laughter and fun. As night falls, the music shifts to an impressionistic mood, painting the serene beauty of twilight and gentle waves. The piece ends with a joyful celebration, echoing the warmth of a campfire under the stars.
-
An easy jazz piece that captures the golden glow of the setting sun reflecting on gentle waters. The smooth rhythms sway like waves rippling across the bay, while mellow melodies evoke the carefree joy of a perfect evening. As the sun dips below the horizon, the music flows between laid-back energy and a touch of nostalgia, celebrating the beauty of a day coming to a close.
-
An advanced blues piece with a playful, Charlie Chaplin-esque twist. It rides a wave of lively, syncopated rhythms and unpredictable twists, capturing the comical ups and downs of learning to surf. The swinging blues feel gives it a sense of swagger, while the humorous, whimsical melodies evoke the charm of a classic silent film, making every rise and fall on the waves a delightful adventure.
-
A delightful ragtime piece that captures the simple joy of a weekend treat. Its playful rhythms and catchy melodies evoke the scene of kids lining up at the ice cream stand, full of excitement. With a balance of lively syncopation and approachable passages, it’s perfect for performers who want a taste of classic ragtime fun without too much challenge, bringing the sweetness of a Saturday afternoon to life.
-
The advanced version of "Ice Cream on Saturday" takes the charm of a sunny weekend and elevates it with complex, spirited syncopations and intricate runs. This version is full of technical flourishes that mirror the delight of a cone piled high with flavors. It demands both energy and finesse, capturing the playful, whimsical essence of a carefree Saturday while offering a thrilling challenge to the performer.
European Excursions
This collection is a musical journey through some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque destinations, as imagined through the lens of novels and images. Each piece offers a unique blend of rhythms, melodies, and cultural flavors, capturing the essence and charm of these famous locales, even though I have yet to visit them in person.
-
This piece captures the intrigue of Capri, once Emperor Tiberius' fortress. The music hints at shipwrecks, hidden caves, and buried treasures scattered across the island. A short sail from Naples, Capri's scenic beauty hides its mysteries, with steep steps leading to ancient ruins and secrets waiting to be discovered.
-
A jazzy waltz sets the tone for “Parisian Afternoon”, painting a leisurely stroll through the streets of Paris. Whether it’s a walk along the Champs-Élysées, a visit to the Louvre, or a quiet moment with coffee by the Seine, this piece captures the elegance and charm of a perfect afternoon in the City of Light.
-
With a tango-inspired rhythm and a minor key, “Midnight in Madrid” conjures the mystery and intrigue of a late-night adventure in the Spanish capital. The piece captures the vibrant energy and subtle seduction of the city as it comes alive after dark, creating a sense of nocturnal allure.
-
“Path to the Parthenon” transports listeners to ancient Greece, with a sense of grandeur and reverence. The music reflects the majestic ascent toward the Parthenon, blending history with a sense of wonder as one walks along the path to this iconic symbol of classical architecture.
Miniature Sonatas in Three Dimensions
This collection showcases three diverse musical explorations. "Duality" captures the inner conflict between self and identity. "Dulcet" finds beauty in dissonance and complex rhythms, transforming them into something unexpectedly pleasing. "D'Groove" adds a lively, jazzy energy that invites you to move and enjoy. Together, these sonatas offer a journey through introspection, unconventional beauty, and pure rhythmic fun.
-
"Duality" explores the complex relationship between our inner selves and the identity shaped by the world around us. At times, these two sides stand in stark contrast, seemingly at odds with one another—reflecting opposing ideas and tensions. At other moments, they align, moving in parallel with a sense of perfect harmony. The piece captures both the conflict and the synchronicity that arise from navigating these contrasting aspects of our being.
-
"Dulcet," at its core, means "pleasing to the ear," yet this piece challenges that notion by incorporating elements often deemed dissonant and complex, such as a 7/4 meter and intriguing dissonances. By weaving these unconventional ideas into a cohesive musical tapestry, the piece reveals how what we initially perceive as displeasing can, upon closer examination, transform into something unexpectedly delightful and harmonious.
-
"D'Groove" is a lively jazzy piece that embodies the essence of rhythm and movement. With its infectious grooves and syncopated beats, this composition invites you to tap your feet and sway along. The playful melodies intertwine seamlessly, creating an uplifting atmosphere that makes it impossible not to get caught up in the fun. Perfect for both performers and listeners, "D'Groove" celebrates the joy of music that truly makes you move.
One Year
This collection takes listeners on a journey through the changing seasons, capturing the unique emotions and moods of each phase. From the darkness of winter to the vibrant energy of summer, and the inevitable return to colder days, each piece reflects the passage of time and the natural beauty that comes with it.
-
This piece focuses not on the quiet peace of winter, but on the longest, darkest night of the year. With the cold wind howling outside and darkness seemingly endless, this piece explores what we do to endure and embrace the night’s depth.
-
With the arrival of longer, warmer days comes “Blooming”, a lively gigue. Inspired by the charm of Victorian gardens and the serenity of a boat ride, this piece reflects the beauty and energy of spring as flowers burst into life.
-
“Summer Solstice” is a musical celebration, capturing the carefree, joyous atmosphere of summer. Written in a bossanova style, this lively piece feels like a party, reveling in the warmth and length of the longest day of the year.
-
As summer fades into autumn, Changing Colors reflects the noble transformation of the leaves, their vibrant hues masking the slow decline of gardens. With a march-like rhythm, this piece mirrors the inevitable, graceful shift back toward winter, focusing on the beauty in change.
Souvenirs of the Old West
This suite is a musical tribute to the rugged beauty, rich history, and timeless spirit of the American Southwest. Each piece captures different aspects of this majestic region, from its breathtaking landscapes to its lively frontier past. Through evocative melodies and vivid rhythms, the collection paints a portrait of life in the vast desert and the stories that have shaped it.
-
This piece opens the collection with a sweeping, awe-inspiring melody that reflects the grandeur of a Southwestern sunrise. As the sun rises over the vast desert, the music captures the beauty and power of the early morning light on the horizon.
-
“Ghost Town” evokes the haunting stillness of abandoned towns scattered across the desert. Sparse, echoing melodies create an eerie atmosphere, as if wandering through a forgotten place where echoes of the past still linger in the air.
-
With its laid-back, bluesy rhythm, “Cowboy Blues” tells the story of life on the range. The piece captures the rough-and-tumble spirit of cowboys, blending a sense of freedom with a touch of melancholy that reflects the solitude of the open plains.
-
Written in B minor, “View from an Ancient Mesa” transports listeners to the high mesas once inhabited by the Pueblo people. The music paints a panoramic view of the landscape, as it might have been seen centuries ago, evoking a deep connection to the land and its history.
-
“Rustlers” is an action-packed piece full of excitement, reminiscent of old Western films. The lively rhythms and quick-paced melodies tell the tale of cattle rustlers on the run, capturing the tension and drama of the Wild West.
Summer Storm Suite
The inspiration for these pieces will be familiar to anyone who has experienced the summer monsoon in New Mexico. The sun is bright, hot, and unrelenting, but we eagerly await the breeze and its promise of cooling rain. Clouds appear—sometimes drifting by innocently, other times dark and menacing with a rumbling promise of moisture. When the rain finally arrives, it is often scattered, wild, and brief, ending as quickly as it begins.
-
This piece is a tribute to the unrelenting New Mexico sun. Its fierce, steady presence dominates the landscape, filling the air with a bright, intense heat. The music reflects this power and brilliance, evoking the sun's commanding energy as it blazes overhead, unyielding and ever-present.
-
This piece captures the anticipation and relief of the breeze that follows the sun's intense heat in New Mexico. It dances through the air, offering a gentle, refreshing promise of relief. The music mirrors the breeze’s lightness and unpredictability, weaving through the heat with a sense of calm and renewal, hinting at the possibility of rain to come.
-
This piece evokes the shifting presence of clouds in the New Mexico sky. Sometimes soft and drifting, other times dark and brooding, the clouds bring both beauty and tension. The music reflects their changing nature, from peaceful, airy movements to deeper, more ominous tones, capturing the promise of rain or simply passing by in the endless sky.
-
This piece celebrates the wild, fleeting nature of New Mexico’s summer rain. The music reflects the sudden arrival of scattered showers, with rhythms that echo the rain’s unpredictable and brief intensity. It captures the momentary chaos of the downpour, the cool relief it brings, and the swift return to stillness as the rain fades just as quickly as it began.
