. . . emphasis instrumental and vocal music. Principal teachers include Michael Kirkjian (voice), and Rich Hoffman (trombone).

. . . emphasis in music. Principal teacher was Rene Clausen (choir, composition, arranging).

. . . emphasis in conducting (vocal and instrumental)., with extended studies in
composition and arranging (Don Neufeld),
and worship leadership.

. . . emphasis working with wounded healers (e.g., pastors, leaders) within the Protestant Christian church setting.

. . . emphasis in curriculum and instruction methods of musical study, including composition, arranging, transcription, and collaborative leadership.

. . . with focused studies on the neuroscience
 of music, and its magnificent influence on the development of spatial reasoning, which solidifies comprehension and learning.  

“[Christian] has a musical background [that] is rare in its breadth and proficiency. He is highly regarded by musical professionals in our region, many [of] whom marvel at his technical skill as a conduit for equally capable musical skill. He is a musician’s musician–equally competent in symphonic, solo, jazz, popular or western art music settings.”

“It goes without saying; I have the highest respect for his musicianship. He possesses a rare blend of passion, competency, humility, and earnest desire for his students to succeed. He is able to speak, not just from theory and conceptual understanding, but from authentic professional experiences he has been part of. “

“I truly believe that his experience in and out of academia make [him] an invaluable addition to any faculty. He has already demonstrated in his career the possession of self-discipline, artistic skills, leadership skills, and scholarly capacity to fulfill all that is expected from a successful professor . . . “

APU School of Music

“He exhibits tremendous respect for the craft of conductor, as well as a deep sense of musical technique and application, is outstanding, and his passion to continue learning is remarkable. He has an extensive knowledge of band, string, and choral repertoire, looking for obscure works that help develop his training. As a professional, he is well known to be a wonderfully caring professor, with evaluation ratings that rank among the highest. But what I am most proud of is his enthusiastic attitude, as well as his responsible and committed approach to the profession of musical performance and education. He treats individuals with love for who they are, looking for ways to help them grow in the knowledge of themselves through music. Those who have played for him simply love his spirit and approach. He finds a way to bind the community of musicians as a family, developing a deep sense of motivation for excellence and musical integrity. And many individuals seek to maintain their relationships long after their time with him as conductor. I cannot think of a better statement of the man he is toward others than this.

I have often spoken to him that he is ‘the kind of individual the world needs to have more of.’ I have not swayed in that belief. This man is a jewel in the making.”

TAD Wind Symphony