Then, at age eight, he was auditioned and began formal training. He moved away from his parents at fifteen and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in piano from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and graduate degrees in piano and conducting from The Juilliard School in New York. He’s been involved in too many ensembles in too many locations to name. He was hired by Chapman in Fall 2006. He now has a home here in Orange and an apartment in Paris.

Not bad, for someone just thirty years old. But in years of experience, he doesn’t seem to be lacking.

“He’s very energetic and brings a lot of talent to the podium,” said Rick Christophersen, the Administrative Director of the School of Music.

And yet, he’s young enough to be able to establish a connection with his students. He tries to be available to them often, sometimes inviting them over for tea and biscotti.

“I like that I can go get some input from him,” said freshman Daphne Wagner. “I don’t think that’s something you get at other schools because they’re so big.”