Top Influential Musicians

 

I would easily say that Alan Menken is my #1 influence and also my all-time favorite composer. I cant even begin describing what his music has done for me all my life. His stuff is incredible. Most people are not familiar with his name, but recognize his work. He was going to be a dentist, but i'm so glad he changed his mind. He started doing music with "Little Shop of Horrors" (which included dentistry) and then started his hit score "The Little Mermaid." After that it was "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Hercules," Enchanted," and "Tangled." His chords are so warm and alive. Such an emotional and remarkable musician. Best of them all in this century in my opinion.

Amy Lee I would say is my strongest influence of all time! I look up to her and revere her greatly. I've studied her for many years and feel that my study has not been in vain. I feel like I connect with her the most because we share a deep interest in darker sounds. The way she sings is so beautiful and haunting at the same time. She grew up as a classical trained pianist who enjoys Beethoven and Mozart. Her lyrics are always emotional and powerful. I cant think of a greater example of a true musician today than Amy Lee. She is indeed a role model in music today for a number of reasons. She is extremely determined and hard working in all that she does and displays complete loyalty to music and her fans. None of her work include lip-syncing, auto-tune, or any other type of dishonesty. She allows passion for music to be her one and only reason for her work, and often shares that fame, sex, and money are never the motivation for her work. She has released 3 albums: "Fallen," "The Open Door," and "Evanescence." She's married, plays the harp, and lives lives in New York City.

In my opinion Josh Groban is the best male vocalist alive. Listening to his voice is like having a icy cool breath mint in your mouth. Not only is his voice quality the best, but his vocal abilities are incredible. He has a very wide range and is able to hold notes for a long time. Everybody should hear this guy sing. His next album called "All that Echoes" will be released February 5th 2013.

                    Viktor Uzur is somebody that I've personally met and worked with weekly. I admire him because he doesn't just play music. Every note played is distributed with the educated weight, pressure, speed, vibration, and texture. He also knows every detail of just one note and the theory behind it. It wouldnt be inaccurate to say that he is the best performing cellist in the nation.

        

David Osmond is the son of Alan Osmond, and the nephew of Donny Osmond. He has appeared on "American Idol," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and Liken productions such as "Jonah." I admire him not only for his talents, but for his life changing story of MS and new perspective on life. He has two albums out. "Reflected," and "Road Less Traveled." He sings with EFY singers like Jenny Jordan Frogley and writes his own lds music like: "Today is the Day." He went on a mission, married in the Salt Lake City Temple, and has two beautiful daughters.

Mack Wilberg is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir composer for many years. He is so amazing and his music lifts and inspires all listeners. Every song he writes invites a strong spirit. My goals are to write like him someday.

William Joseph is a child prodigy. David Foster (who found Josh Groban) found this lds guy who plays the piano so well. I enjoy his work because his albums include orchestration. He sacrificed musical opportunities to go on a mission, and returned with many blessings and opportunities because of his choice.

I recently discovered Nathan Pacheco. He also is lds and went on a mission. When I first heard his voice, I thought of the guy on Rigoletto. I dont know much about him, but love how he carries himself as a musician and sounds so good. His style is different, but is still likeable around the world.

Danny Elfman is somebody that i'm still trying to understand better. He has done scores for Tim Burton and other movies.

Randy Newman has a jazz style of writing. My music is not completely leaning towards the jazz genre, but when he writes for pixar scores, it makes life sound so exciting and inviting.

I had a chance to play the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 18 in my orchestra with a guest pianist. When I first heard it, it was honestly the first emotionally moving classical piece of music I have ever heard. It is still my favorite today.

Hanz Zimmer wrote for "Prince of Egypt," "The Dark Knight," "The Lion King," "Inception," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and many more. Such an outstanding composer. I can always recognize his work because of the intensity in his scores. He is amazing.

I really enjoy listening to Bach on spotify and hearing his harpsichord concertos.