Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm Dan and I've been described as a renaissance man, which simply means someone who's become proficient in more than one field. I smile when I hear that because I see very little space between my interests in music, photography, and family. Abstractions like composition, groove, timing, and awareness permeate all three.

My goal is to demystify and naturalize these concepts with practical examples and lessons. I want to help you develop and trust your creative instincts whether it be as a musician, photographer, or grandparent. We'll do some of the normal stuff like learning a tune here and there, and going on specific photo assignments, but we'll try and always keep a bigger picture of developing your creative self in view.

You're also probably aware that I'm battling cancer and have seven weeks of radiation treatments coming up in April. This Buy Me A Coffee page is doing more than just announcing a new teaching venture. It is my job, and one that I think I can sustain with your support through cancer treatments. I know my ability to be productive may ebb and flow with energy level, but I'll give it my best shot. If I've done my job properly, I'll be well along on the road to recovery at the end of the next 6 months and you'll want to continue supporting my efforts simply because you found the content I've produced useful in your life.

That's my basic pitch. Thank you for helping me work my way through these life-changing circumstances. 

Read on below if you're interested in a bit more context.

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Over the past twenty-five years, I've thrived as a self-employed individual, cherishing the independence of supporting myself through my work and reciprocating support within my community, even serving six years as an unpaid elected official in my hometown and eventually becoming Mayor. Then came COVID and I, like many other performing artists, saw the world turn upside down.

The pandemic halted the core of my teaching and performing work, and at the time, I wasn't interested in taking everything online. Realizing we'd need to chart a new course, in 2021 Angie and I accepted project management roles for a California startup. Despite our efforts for 2 years, which were successful in terms of what was expected contractually, the project faltered when the funders backed out. Concurrently, I faced a health crisis after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and grappling with chronic kidney issues. With three separate surgeries and months of recovery, 2023 was the most physically challenging of my life, and felt the least productive.

Now, in 2024, we find ourselves rebuilding. We've relocated to Marina, CA, where I'm resuming my passion for photography, writing, teaching music, and performance. Still, the immediate road ahead remains daunting. I just started a six-month regimen of cancer treatments, including two months of daily radiation. This will require me to stay near the hospital in Sacramento. It's not feasible to make the drive daily as it is a 3-hour one-way drive on the best days. I'm working on boarding arrangements near the hospital. Your support during this period would be invaluable in helping us navigate these challenges.

We're selling some personal assets to alleviate some financial strain, including the Airstream we lived in while moving cross-country, and our Ford F150 truck that pulled it. Both are year model 2018 and in excellent condition.

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I want to work my way out of this situation, but I'm also realistic in knowing my energy level and ability to do travel gigs will take a hit for at least the next six months. What I believe I can do, however, is write, post, and share helpful teaching material on a regular schedule. This will be my job. I've prepared for it and am dedicating my time to keeping content flowing while being careful not to overpromise.