Patrick's Musical Journey
Patrick is a passionate violist and dedicated educator who brings a dynamic blend of classical training and contemporary experience to his teaching. A natural fit for the viola from an early age, and recalls being drawn to both its rich tone and the physical connection it demands from the player. Patrick began his musical journey in elementary school and has followed his love for the instrument ever since.
Patrick earned his Bachelor's degree in Viola Performance from Georgia State University, where he studied under the mentorship of Tania Maxwell-Clements, a transformative figure in his life and musical development. As a finalist in the 2020 Brumby Concerto Competition, Patrick's artistry was gaining recognition just as the pandemic interrupted many performance opportunities. Still, his performance career has thrived.
He currently performs with The Renaissance Orchestra, a genre-blending ensemble that fuses R&B and hip-hop with classical instrumentation. Through this group, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with celebrated artists such as H.E.R. and Zaytoven. Patrick's past engagements also include performances with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, and the NeoPhonia New Music Ensemble. Among the highlights of his career are a sold-out performance of The Nutcracker on Christmas Eve and an unforgettable jam session with Zaytoven at Patchwerk Recording Studios.
Patrick's teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student is capable of making music, not necessarily for professional success, but to reconnect with one of the most human and expressive forms of communication. He emphasizes a strong foundation in technique while encouraging students to develop their own musical voice through interpretation and emotional connection. While he values the fundamentals, even the dreaded scale work, Patrick also incorporates improvisation, musicality, and exploration across genres into his lessons. As a teacher, Patrick is committed to helping students discover the deeper purposes music serves in their lives, and he takes joy in guiding them toward a fuller, more natural musical understanding.
