How did Bellingham become your home?
I applied for a job at Western teaching piano accompanying and classroom Music Theory in 1992. Since getting the position I now teach piano and direct the Sanford-Hill Piano Series.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a pianist?
My parents wanted me to be exposed to music. I grew up singing in a Men and Boys church choir, and my first piano teacher was the retiring choirmaster. As a boy I also had private lessons in music theory and in composition.
How did you decide to make a life in music?
I’ve always felt that music was part of my identity and couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
Do you remember a time when you were young and something musical just grabbed you?
I remember being thrilled by a live performance of Mozart Fantasia K. 608 on our church’s massive pipe organ when I was a boy.
Where did you complete your musical studies?
I studied at the Eastman School of Music, Conservatory of Cologne (Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship), University of Michigan, and The Juilliard School.
Are there any musicians or teachers in particular who have played important roles in forming your thoughts as a musician?
My undergraduate teacher Cecile Genhart was born in Switzerland in the 19th century. As one of her last students I was privileged to gain insights into the way pianists played in that era.
Share some of the musical moments that have most inspired you? Performances you’ve watched or been involved in or both.
I feel fortunate to have heard Rubinstein, Horowitz, Arrau and Argerich live in recital.
What are your (current) favorite classical pieces with and/or without piano?
The late piano sonatas of Schubert and Beethoven, also Faure Requiem, Mozart K. 516 viola quintet, Schubert cello quintet.
What was a most unusual performance you were involved in?
I performed and recorded a piano 4-hand version of Erik Satie’s“Entr’acte” with my piano teacher in Germany Guenter Ludwig. Our performance at the West German Radio was synchronized with the silent movie.
Tell us your thoughts on the art of chamber music?
I’m fortunate to have played a lot of chamber music, starting in my high school years. As pianists we have the whole score in front of us, so I feel responsible to know my partners’ parts as well as my own.
What keeps you artistically inspired?
I’m inspired by great performers, and I’m equally inspired by student performances, where they are giving their all in first-time performances.
What do you love about teaching?
Even though I’ve accumulated a fair amount of knowledge in my 35 years of college teaching, there’s something that young students instinctively get right.
How do you spend your time outside music? Other interests?
I love spending time in my garden. I like fine dining and spending time with my friends.
