“All it takes is one event, one person, one rehearsal to change everything.”
Well, it’s been a while—roughly ten years since I’ve written a new piece, performed, guest conducted, consulted, or really immersed myself in music. But as they say, life gets in the way.
The last decade has brought a lot of change. Music gradually took a back seat as life demanded my attention in other ways. Sales slowed and eventually stopped. Losing several loved ones left me with a profound case of writer’s block. Then my greatest blessing arrived—my son. Like any new parent, my time and energy shifted toward family. Although I desperately wanted to reconnect with music, I just couldn’t seem to kick myself into gear.
I tried. I looked for ensembles to join, musicians to collaborate with, and opportunities to get involved after moving to the Columbus area. Nothing ever seemed to fall into place. Between work, family, and life in general, I couldn’t find the time or the quiet I needed to write. I missed it every single day.
But all it takes is one event, one person, one rehearsal to change everything.
In early 2025, I was talking with a good friend from work about old hobbies and the things that have shaped our lives. Naturally, music came up. I shared how much I missed it and how, despite trying for nearly ten years, I hadn’t found my way back into the local music community.
She connected me with a family member who was well established in the Columbus music scene. Before long, I was talking with the director of my local community band, who told me that the timing couldn’t have been better.
I was in.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of performing with the Westerville Community Concert Band, where I usually serve as Principal Bassoon alongside an incredibly talented group of musicians. The directors, board members, and volunteers pour countless hours into bringing quality performances to our community, and being a part of that organization has meant more to me than I can put into words. It gave me exactly what I’d been searching for.
That experience was the spark I needed.
Once I found my way back into performing, I dove headfirst into composing again. I’ve dusted off unfinished manuscripts that had been sitting untouched for years, slowly working through the writer’s block that had followed me for so long.
One of those pieces began after my grandfather passed away nearly a decade ago. For years, I simply couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Today, it’s finally nearing completion. I’ve also started several brand-new projects that I’m incredibly excited to share in the coming months.
Music is finally flowing again.
Along with composing, I’ve become a member of the International Society of Double Reeds (IDRS), officially re-established Ambis Music LLC in 2026 (originally founded in 2010), and begun self-publishing my original compositions once again.
I’ve also started building bassoon reeds for fellow musicians—a craft I’ve always genuinely enjoyed. Over the years, I’ve been told my reeds are warm, responsive, and dependable, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to share that part of my musicianship with others. On top of that, I’m excited to be teaching again, helping the next generation of bassoonists discover the same passion that first inspired me.
If you’ve visited this website before, you’ve probably noticed it’s completely different.
Since February, I’ve rebuilt the entire site from the ground up using modern technology, new tools, and a completely fresh design. It’s been a tremendous amount of work, but I’m incredibly proud of how it has turned out. Like any creative project, it’s never truly finished, and I already have another round of improvements planned for later this summer.
This project has become much more than a website. It’s a reflection of where I am today—a composer, performer, educator, and entrepreneur who has rediscovered his passion for making music.
Next week, I’ll be attending my first International Double Reed Society Conference, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m looking forward to attending classes, hearing incredible performances, meeting colleagues from around the world, trying new instruments, and continuing to grow both as a musician and as a composer.
More than anything, though, I’m excited simply to be back.
Back in the community.
Back in the culture.
Back doing what I love.
Today, I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been to build Ambis Music into something meaningful. I want to continue writing music that people enjoy performing, create resources that help musicians grow, and build something my son can look at someday and see what perseverance looks like. Sometimes life asks us to step away from the things we love for a while. That doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity—and the courage to say yes—to find your way back.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading.
Whether you’re a band director planning next season’s programming, a performer looking for new repertoire, someone interested in commissioning a new work, or a bassoonist wanting to talk about reeds, lessons, or music in general, I’d love to connect.
Music has given so much to me throughout my life, and I’m grateful to have found my way back to it.
Let’s make music together.