What are your dreams/goals in life?
Currently, I think I would like to be a film composer. I enjoy composing music and the artistic freedom which it allows. I find music's effect on films to be captivating and open to interpretation. While I plan to compose as a career, I expect that playing the guitar will always be an active part of my life.

Are there any setbacks that you have overcome and forced you to be a better musician?
Fortunately, I have not had too many setbacks. Of course, that doesn't mean that I win all the competitions I enter, but I consider not winning to be just as important and helpful to my growth as a musician as winning. Generally, I expect there to be bumps in the road and just try to keep a positive outlook in moving ahead.

Where would you like to perform someday if given the opportunity?
There isn't any place where I specifically hope to play, but there are many places I'd be very happy to play. I have already had the amazing opportunities of playing at Carnegie Hall and the White House, though I'd be thrilled to return. Also, though I've had my compositions played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall, I have never played there myself, and I would of course love to.

How many hours a week do your practice playing the guitar?
The number of hours I practice varies greatly depending on the amount of school work I have and whether I have a performance coming up. If I am very busy with school, I might not practice at all during any given day. Also, I play the piano in addition to the guitar, so my time for music is divided as well. At most, I practice guitar three hours a day.

Why did you want to participate in Spotlight?
I originally wanted to participate in Spotlight because I'd heard from previous applicants that it's a great program. After I participated in my freshman year, I wanted to return because Spotlight seemed particularly focused on the education and artistic development of its participants. Also, I found Spotlight's atmosphere to be very supportive of all students that apply.

Do you have a mentor? If so, how long have you worked with him/her and how has he/she helped you in your career?
I don't have anyone I'd actually call a mentor, but I have been lucky enough to have many people that I admire in music and that have been incredibly supportive of my career in music. These people include my guitar teacher, Bill Kanengiser, my piano teacher, Jeff Lavner, my composition teacher, Steven Stucky, and great musicians that I have met and that inspire me, including Pepe Romero and Christopher Parkening. I also feel that I have always been backed by the strong encouragement and support of my family, friends, and people that I have met at performances. I truly appreciate them all and definitely feel that I wouldn't be where I am today without all of their support.