I'm an orchestra conductor and composer. I am traveling abroad until mid November. European travel is new to me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I travel I am on a limited budget. But my trip is really about immersion. Hostels are great but often people in them travel in groups and don't always talk to a single traveler.

Interests

• opera
• theatre
• orchestra

Music, Movies, and Books

Classical music, opera. The Name of the Wind is my favorite novel.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I had desperately wanted to get into grad school for conducting. At first attempt I failed. My future professor told me I wasn't good enough to study with him.

Free of the burden of trying so hard for him to accept me, I began to study for fun again. I took more classes and improved my craft.

The summer program I was in determined eligibility for grad school and while most only stayed 4 weeks, I stayed 5 because the last week was only for composers. During this final week I had written a small tone poem for chamber orchestra. I rehearsed all week with the orchestra. My future professor saw how far I had come since he rejected me.

On the night of the performance, my piece was meant to finish the show. We, the orchestra and I, performed the piece and the audience loved it! While I was thanking the musicians for playing so well for me, a small conference was taking place on my behalf. Several other conductors had told the teacher who rejected me that he need to take me on as a student. And even so, he was so impressed by my piece I had written and hard work that he decided to take me as a student. I cried from joy and it was the happiest moment of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I speak American English and am happy to share my language. I want to learn more German! We can attend a symphony or Opera together!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Denmark, England, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States