Though born in western Michigan, Todd spent his formative years – junior high and high school – in Marion, Indiana. During this time, he developed a strong love for the arts, especially music. Todd recalls that sticking with piano lessons was one of the only things his parents forced him to do. Of course, now, he says that he is eternally grateful for that continued direction and prodding.

Todd attended Taylor University and studied Music Composition. After their graduation in 1987, Todd and his new bride, Dara, headed off to Colorado so he could pursue graduate studies in music. They spent the next six years in this beautiful state, living in Ft. Collins while Todd studied at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Upon a visit back to Indiana to attend his brother’s graduation from Taylor, Todd was approached about a potential one-year teaching position at Taylor. So, at the end of July, 1997, the trek back to central Indiana, and very familiar territory, began.

After a short stint of covering sabbaticals at Taylor and teaching in adjunct roles at Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan University, Todd was hired full-time by Indiana Wesleyan to oversee the Music Composition branch within the Division of Music. He recently finished his fifth year in this capacity and has thoroughly enjoyed his time at IWU.

The position at IWU allows Todd to be involved with the arts both within the University and the community of Marion. At Indiana Wesleyan, he finds himself: in the midst of a growing Music Composition program (growing from one full-time student in his first year to sixteen beginning this fall – 2005); involved in musical theater (he has served as Music Director for two shows and as conductor for another); conducting various ensembles (as the need arises); composing and arranging countless musical pieces for performers (from university ensembles to student performers); and filling other roles needed within the IWU. However, he has also been involved in the arts within the community, from judging talent shows to composing original music for independent films and original stage productions to participating with the Community School of the Arts.

Todd’s partnership with CSA began in the summer of 2004 when he joined its creative team in the first I-Theater workshop. This time was very intense as they challenged the kids of Marion/Grant County to be original and see what develops from their gifts and creativity. With the overwhelming success of this week-long event, CSA received the attention of the community in new and exciting ways. The success also strengthened the friendship and working relationship between Todd and Mark Fauser, CSA Director. This relationship has spawned many ideas, some that have been realized (The King of Cool – original stage show based on the life of James Dean) and some that are still in the making.

Todd is grateful to be a part of this talented community and looks forward to supporting and taking part with the many artistic events and endeavors that are sure to come from this area.