I understand it can be more of a challenge as an instrumentalist to make a connection with the listener. A vocalist often has a more immediate connection - the most obvious being lyrics used to tell a story; and of course, the human voice which is the most direct form of communication.

So as instrumentalists, we strive throughout our lives to make that evolution: to turn inventions of cold metal and wood into something human. The beginning musician is thinking of fingerings, and how to breathe: all the technical stuff that is of course essential to playing. But over time, the instrument becomes more and more a part of you, and extension of your body. This is, and should be, the ultimate goal as musicians. I work towards being able to pick up an instrument, and have an immediate connection to my feelings - with little or no thought involved - and interact with the music and musicians uninhibited. Of course, I am just beginning this journey, and will no doubt spend the rest of my life getting there! But it is very inspiring when I get up in the morning to practice, that every day I am one step closer…

Quite simply, I write about what inspires me. Just like a visual artist interprets what he sees onto the canvas, I interpret my experiences into a listening format. So as a composer, that connection has to be strong, and since there are no lyrics to tell the story, I must find other ways to shape the song and set a mood. The mood is often set by the way I was feeling, or where I was at the time of inspiration. I will often jot something down on the spot, a sketch if you will. When I sit at down to write, I try to bring back that feeling, or visualise the place that inspired.

The Island Suite on my latest album was conceived while I was visiting two islands. But the suite evolved over many months, and 90% of the writing was done at a café on Coogee beach in Sydney!

So my writing is very diverse, as a result of the variety of music I listen to, and also because I am inspired by so many different things. I believe it is important to soak up as much music as possible, of all genres. There is so much amazing music in the world, the listening never ends!