All my life, music is what has driven me.

The name of my project is “One Note at a Time.”  Although I realize this seems an unconventional interpretation of the assignment, there are strong motivations behind every aspect of the piece.  Perhaps the most unusual aspect of my project is the fact that there seems to be no conventional “spoken narrative.”  However, I urge viewers to rethink what a “spoken narrative” must be defined as; my personal narrative, though wordless, is sung, layered upon itself to express the many different melodies, the different themes in my life that drive me, coming together harmoniously.  I consciously made the decision to move away from a conventional “spoken narrative” including facts about my musical background, training and what I have learned through studying music throughout my life because I am confident that this can be expressed in a much more creative, abstract way.  There is no score to this piece.  Every note was an improvisation.  In this instance, words are just words.  Without them, I can express so much more.  For instance, the multiple images of me in one frame represent the inter-connectivity I feel when performing, listening to, and feeling music.  Furthermore, the variety of facial expressions that occur throughout the piece conveys the dynamic range of emotions that music can make me feel.

As a communicative artist, my main intent is to create a piece that clearly conveys certain aspects of my identity, but can have multiple interpretations.  Rather than talking about myself and my life as a classically-trained jazz-inspired vocalist, I chose to define myself in broader, less constrictive terms.  I am an artist. Music is my craft, my passion.  Notes make up my palate, and rhythm is my paintbrush.  When I put my tools together, the possibilities are endless.