Staff Bios
We seek out people who are passionate about music and customer service to work in our store. Here is a glimpse at the people behind the scenes of our store.
Started at CMC:
1999
Education/Experience:
I am a graduate of the University of Washington, School of Business Administration, 1984.
What I do here:
I have the role of working with the accountant, coordinating much of the outreach, landlord relations, and other non-musical responsibilities.
Instrument/Specialization:
I am an avid listener.
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
There are no singers I enjoy listening to more than Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Their deep voices and story-telling abilities turn a song into an experience. I could listen for hours to both of them.
Current musical endeavors:
Playing music is not my forte. Listening is. I listen to all genres of music, domestic and foreign, and from a more active standpoint I'm embracing music through dance. Over the last five years I have ascended up the scale in swing and waltz from an untalented beginner to the (lower) cusp of the intermediate domain.
I've enjoyed working with the customers and colleagues at Capitol Music immensely, and look forward to many years to come.
Started at CMC:
2007
Education/Experience:
BBA, University of Texas, MA University of Washington
What I do here:
I am the business manager.
Instrument/Specialization:
Guitar, Community Song Leader
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
Beethoven, Weather Report, Mark Knopfler, Brass Bands, Drum Lines, et al.
Current musical endeavors:
I lead in song all ages, preschool to retirement. Working on my own collection of songs for children and youthful souls.
Started at CMC:
August, 2011
Education/Experience:
DMA in composition from U.W. 1993, MA from Mills College in Oakland 1982,
BM from Berklee College 1977. I've been playing since I was five.
What I do here:
Outreach and retail. Also run the Basic Counter Theory (people come up to the
counter and ask me a question and I pull out my manuscript book and show them how it works!)
Instrument/Specialization: Piano, theory, composing, arranging
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
Sheesh, that's a silly question.
Current musical endeavors:
In the middle of recording a new CD with my band Hopscotch. Music
director at St. Benedict Parish. Teaching piano, theory and composition.
Started at CMC:
February, 2008
Education/Experience:
Bachelor of Music: Composition at Pacific Lutheran University. Also have a certificate in Software Testing from Bellevue College because making sure things work properly is a passion of mine.
What I do here:
Asst. Manager, Music Buyer. I purchase all the sheet music and books and some of the accessories. I do a little bit of everything including working the counter, training staff, website admin. and various micromanagement.
Instrument/Specialization:
Trombone/Brass, Composition and Theory
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
John Williams
Current musical endeavors:
Principal trombone in the Seattle Festival Orchestra, composing music for orchestra.
Started at CMC:
August, 2011
Education/Experience:
Self-taught, over twenty years' experience in various rock, blues and bluegrass bands.
What I do here:
Happily help customers fulfill their musical needs, bug their kids to practice more and handle most of
the ukulele questions that arise. Lead the ukulele and basic music theory for adults' workshops.
Instrument/Specialization:
Bass (upright and electric) & Ukulele
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
Richard Thompson
Current musical endeavors:
Finding time to keep my knowledge and playing skills up to par, especially with my recent acquisition of
a Kala U-bass (a bass Ukulele!), bugging both my daughters to practice more...
If anyone is looking a bassist for any projects they're currently working on, let me know.
Started at CMC:
October, 2012
Education/Experience:
B.A. in International Studies-Comparitive Religion from University of Washington; Bachelor of Music in Composition from Cornish College of the Arts.
What I do here:
You'll usually find me behind the counter on weekends, as I have another job during the week at a non-profit. I do my best to help people find what they're looking for, even when they don't know what they're looking for. It's fun being a small part of another person's musical journey.
Instrument/Specialization:
Classical composition, songwriting, guitar, piano
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
Aaron Jay Kernis, Yes, Mike Oldfield, and Elliott Smith are my personal pantheon. I'm always discovering new music I love, whether it's indie, classical, hip hop, or what have you.
Current musical endeavors:
Overcoming my fears and finally starting a band/ensemble.
Started at CMC:
January 2013
Education/Experience:
Currently Enrolled: Cornish College of the Arts
What I do here:
Stocking Books, Customer Service
Instrument/Specialization:
Composition, Electronic Music, Trumpet, Percussion
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
The Beatles
Current musical endeavors:
Producing my own music/album. DJing shows with all original music.
Started at CMC:
November, 2012
Education/Experience:
I'm graduating at the University of Washington with a Bachelor's in Creative Writing and History. I started at Capitol Music Center after working for several years as a brass instrument repair apprentice at Clearwater Music in Spokane, WA.
What I do here:
I mostly work up front - hanging out with customers and sorting books. I also consult on instrument repairs and give guitar lessons.
Instrument/Specialization:
My primary instrument is the guitar, which I've played for almost ten years now. I almost exclusively play acoustic styles, though I specialize in experimental rhythm and two-handed tap. I also play the ukulele, piano, djembe, trumpet, and trombone.
Favorite Composer/Artist/Genre:
My favorite artist right now is Jon Gomm - a relatively unheard of guitarist who melds two-handed tap and body percussion into a style that's completely his own.
Current musical endeavors:
I've recently begun recording a mix of song covers and original pieces with my fiancée. We're having fun with it, and that's what's most important. Otherwise, I'm studying music theory on my own time, experimenting with how certain theories apply to composition.