Q: Tell me about LAKE EFFECT MUSIC.

A: I have been a professional musician since 1967, and I believe that a true professional is very versatile, delivers top-quality music, is sensitive to the needs of the customer/audience, and has a passion for music. I have based the services of LAKE EFFECT MUSIC on this philosophy. When I am composing and arranging, I want to write music according to what YOUR needs are, and make it something that you will love to play and hear! When performing, I become immersed in the music, try to connect with the listeners, and hopefully make it a memorable experience for all involved. As a teacher, I want to take the students from the level that they are currently at, provide them with essential information, and motivate them to attain a higher level of musicianship. I base all of my teaching on respect for the individual and his/her needs, positive reinforcement, and open communication. In other words, I want to create an environment in which they can learn! I dearly love all of these aspects of music, and I hope that it is evident in the services that I provide!

Q. What level of quality can I expect from LAKE EFFECT MUSIC groups?

A. Expect top-quality music from us! We are professional, dependable, fit music to what YOU want, have a huge variety of music and are very affordable. This is my business -- I do not use "weekend warriors" that only play one type of music. My job is to provide you with great live music that is what YOU want to hear, at a very reasonable price! Versatility is the key.

Q. Why doesn't LAKE EFFECT MUSIC offer DJ services?

A. Simply put, if you wanted to send flowers for a wedding, you wouldn't send plastic ones! There's no substitute for live music. I provide the REAL thing!

Q. Why should I choose LAKE EFFECT MUSIC?

A. For 2 reasons: (1) You want top-quality music service that fits YOUR needs, and (2) You want it to be AFFORDABLE. These are the hallmarks of my business.

Q. What is a custom-tailored arrangement?

A. When ordering arrangements, I will ask you many questions, and write the charts accordingly. They will sound great, be very playable by your group, and contain features that YOU want. It is music made especially for YOU.

Q. Am I infringing any copyright law by having custom arrangements made?

A. No. BECAUSE, before I do any arrangements, I get permission granted from the copyright owner to do a "derivative work" (arrangement). Everything is legal.

Q. Who, then owns the rights to this particular arrangement?

A. I do. Thus, I am the one that pays the royalties, etc. If you want to record any of these arrangements, please contact me for permission, and so that I can notify and negotiate with the copyright owner.

Q. What are your goals with students?

A. I pride myself on being able to relate to students, and deliver the appropriate information in a manner that motivates students to achieve. Thus, I adjust my private instruction and workshops to FIT the students or participants that I am engaging with. Again, I try to foster a partnership in learning with the student(s) and create an environment in which they can learn enthusiastically and efficiently.