What was the first piece of music you performed before an audience?

It would have to be a song titled Whispering Hope played on the electric accordion. Yes, an electric accordion – the kind that lights up on the bass notes. They turned off all of the lights in the performance hall so that the audience could be thrilled with the colors flashing while I played. I was five, and the renowned location was Moscow, Idaho.

Where do you see APU’s School of Music in 2010?

I really believe that if we stay on the current track, our School of Music will be the top Christian university school of music in the country. Why do I say that? We are on our way to developing an unusual breadth of education in the field of music, offering our students nearly all of the musical genres available. In eight more years, the current program will be refined and developed to an even greater level. Our faculty are committed to this goal, and I really believe it will happen.

How has music impacted your walk with Christ?

Music has enabled me to communicate my faith with countless numbers of people. My dad was a minister for 35 years, and would always remind me that my work and influence as a musician would reach as many or more people than he could as a minister. He continually encouraged me to use my music as a way to minister, and was a great example of how I could do this. Both of my parents taught me that ministering in the church was but one way to accomplish this. They encouraged me to perform in community concerts and work with musicians who did not have a strong faith, reaching out to them with my musical gifts. This was life-changing for me, and this broad approach to ministry through music has greatly impacted and strengthened my relationship with Christ.

What is your favorite instrument to play?

The piano is my instrument of choice. More than 40 years of lessons have made it a comfortable instrument for me to play. In a pinch, I will play the organ, but mostly for funerals. Since funerals are not usually videotaped or recorded, no one can be reminded of what I did. A wedding is a totally different case: Too much documentation occurs at a wedding, so no organ playing for me there. A bad organist can ruin a marriage!

With what musician do you most identify?

My hero composer/musician is Johann Sebastian Bach. His life was dedicated to God, and I respect that the most. In addition, he was an incredible keyboard artist and excelled at improvisation. I have always aspired to work hard at the piano and improve my ability as an improviser, so Bach has been my model to follow. His compositions are stunningly complex, and every note is essential to the work. He is a master at counterpoint, and I have learned so much about arranging and composing by studying and performing his music. Bach devoted much of his energy to writing music for the church, and I can identify with that part of his work the most. I have always seen the church as an essential part of my involvement as a musician.

What book are you on the middle of right now?

I am reading A Beautiful Mind, by Sylvia Nasar. I don’t often take the time to go to movies, so after seeing all of the awards this story received last month, I decided to read the book. It really has my attention, since so much of it takes place on the university campus.

How can APU students impact the world?

By following God’s call in their lives—it is as simple as that. If they work hard and become the best musicians they possibly can, God will open the doors for them to be effective wherever they go in the world. He will use them in many different situations to affect others for Him.