About Me
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God gave me an outlet to share my soul with people around me, to bridge the gap; and this outlet is music. It's hard to imagine life without music in my life. As a well-learned pianist, I have some sort of a free-pass to enter into lots of great projects, meet lots of great people, to develop my craft, and (unimportantly) get instant recognition.
However, I have come to realize that being a musician is more than just playing organized patterns of notes on an instrument - it is the way you live your life, a constant act of worship!
BACKGROUND
There are probably three or four kids 3 years old or younger who you know that show a fascination with music. They will bang their hands on a piano because something compels them to do it. You know what I'm talking about. In 1979, I was one of these kids.
Then in 1983, just before I turned 5 years old, I was enrolled in private piano lessons under the superb instruction of Mr. John Van Lierop, Jr. I ended up taking lessons until my senior year in high school (1996), and along the way I experienced and performed the music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Brahms, just to name a few.
To practice, memorize, and perform diverse and complex sets of repertoires year after year, I subconsciously developed habits in self-discipline and persistence that have had effects in other aspects of my life. In many ways, my musical output from this timeframe can't be rivaled, yet has been sadly overlooked.
TASTE
Besides concert music, I grew up listening to a lot of oldies from the 50's, 60's and 70's, in a diverse array of genres from rock to country. For instance, by the end of fifth grade (1989), I knew all 200+ Beatle songs by heart.
In 1994, I started experimenting with hip-hop, attempting to create quality instrumentals even with some not-up-to-date technology. There is a huge group of friends and acquaintances out there who think this is the only thing I do in music.
Nowadays, there is so much differentiation between genres of music. But I recognize the differentiations but neglect to make any distinctions. I'll listen to anything, as long as I find it to be inspired. Now, a lot of people will say what I just said, and I have friends who say that too. However, watch them squirm when I play a John Denver album in the car. Sad.
Before 2004, my primary way to make hip-hop instrumentals/beats was to use a Roland JV-1000, which is 1993 (and therefore, by today's standards, minimalistic) technology. Sometime around 1998, I updated the patches (available instruments). I like creating my own unique soundscape, and never try to sound like I did even a day before.
I'm probably one of the few people you know who has 8-tracks , phonograph LPs/45s and a CD/DVD burner in the same room.
MINISTRY
The most important part of music for me if not the only part is using it for ministry. I was a the main pianist at Beacon United Methodist Church from 1993-2007. I have played the keyboards in a diverse array of Christian worship bands, from Co-Hi (an Asian-American retreat), to my own churchs band, to Christmas Institute (another retreat, with mostly Filipinos), to the Papuri Northwest band.
In 2002, I wrote my very first spiritual song, and the following year I won a contest with a different song. I believe God has revealed to me another aspect of musicianship songwriting in which He can use me for His glory.
GOALS
Im the type of person who likes to keep on adding to my arsenal, and so thats what I plan on doing, whether it be in songwriting or learning a bit more technology. Most importantly, I intend whatever music I create to have a positive influence on someones life, whether it be spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. A song is a tool, whether it be a one of comfort, of motivation, or of empowerment. Music is Gods voice, so I must act accordingly.
Success for me has nothing to do with fame or fortune, but in the little things that happen like clockwork. Too often people associate personal achievement and status with happiness and success. If I can plant seeds and make my mark in society, whether as a well-known mover and shaker or someone behind the scenes, it really doesn't matter - as long as the mark is made.
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