I can't pick just one. As a composer: John Adams, Ellington, Stravinsky, Maria Schneider, Jim Knapp. As a songwriter: Taylor Goldsmith, Matty Healy, Sting, Billy Corgan, David Bowie, Phoebe Bridgers, Damon Albarn.

I can connect theory and notation — which sometimes feel like the "eating your vegetables" part of music — to music that you love to play. I can show you how a solid understanding of theory and of written music deepens your appreciation and comprehension of music you already like.

I had two great instructors. First, Steve Palazzo, who is a bluegrass player; and then Bob Burnett, a jazz guitarist.

I have a few guitars: a '66 Mustang, a PRS McCarty, and my beloved 1975 Strat hardtail. One of those goes into a '66 Princeton when I'm at home or an old Soldano Astroverb when I'm playing a show.

Endurance.

The strat is a hardtail, which is somewhat uncommon. Otherwise, they're all pretty standard.

With empathy, curiosity, and kindness.

The premiere of a suite I wrote for large ensemble about ten years ago. A truly magical, life-changing moment.

Interpreting "biggest" as "most storied", I have to go with the Hotel Cafe. Another choice is Dizzy's Club at Lincoln Center in New York. Technically I didn't play, but I attended the premiere there of a piece I wrote for the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra.

Stories Don't End - Dawes

Cooking, reading, catching up with friends, and staying active.

"Band: Birds at Night Solo record: Talking in Circles"

Winner, First Music Commission, 2019

I can connect theory and notation — which sometimes feel like the "eating your vegetables" part of music — to music that you love to play. I can show you how a solid understanding of theory and of written music deepens your appreciation and comprehension of music you already like.