Clayton was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina.  He grew up in a rich choral music environment, a catalyst to his introduction to the world of composition. Unconventional though it may be, his first compositonal influences were video game scores for their lush and intricate designs, and heavy metal music where rhythm and syncopation reign supreme. As a composer, these influences give him a unique ability to juxtapose the classic and avant-garde.

 

 

Clayton believes music has a great restorative power for the human psyche. He is currently pursuing a certificate in Sound, Voice, and Music Healing from the California Institute of Integral Studies with the hope of helping people connect to and express their own internal state through music composition and improvisation.

 

 

Clayton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, and a Masters of Music in Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. His studies have given him the opportunity to work with a wide range of high caliber musicians and fellow composers including studying with Dr. Trevor Weston, Dr. David Maves, Dr. Edward Hart, and Dr. Dan Becker. His composition and commissions include Screaming from the Skies for the acclaimed Mobius Trio, to the edge and back for guitarist Grant Ferris, and a setting of the W.B. Yeats poem When you are Old for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

 

 

Please also visit the teaching page for information on Private Lessons and Tutoring.