Native Midwesterner, I'm a well-educated, well-traveled, masculine, cultured, outdoorsy guy. Supportive and loyal, open, communicative, and upbeat. Close to my family in Iowa, but have built a strong social network here: I've always created family wherever I go.

Quality-junkie in all my pursuits. I believe that what you get out of life equals the energy you put into it, and that can be applied to any endeavor...relationships (both romantic and other), planning a vacation, cleaning a closet, making lasagna (see pics), taking a yoga class, raising kids, writing an online profile.
What am I looking for? A partner. A quiet trust. Someone who appreciates the complexities of a relationship, who wants to build shared experiences. Someone to establish a home and a life with, to get in bed with at the end of the day. Although I'm independent, I don't think people were made to live alone.

For work I'm a successful, fully-employed classical musician, which in NYC is a very lively livelihood. Hard-working and passionate about my profession, and am attracted to that quality in others.

Be brave out there, guys. A lasting relationship is not for the faint of heart.

Love my career, and am fortunate that it comes with great colleagues and friends. Recently taken up meditation, and slowly am understanding the benefits. No 12-Steppers or MiraclesCoursers, please, we Iowans are skeptical.

My job. Cooking. Climbing trees. Driving. Being energetic. Moving through crowds. Meeting new people. Doing what I say I'm going to do. Falling asleep. Being grateful. Proofreading. Prioritizing. Keeping in touch with my big family. Calming babies. Arriving on time. Crossword puzzles. Noticing stuff.

I have a knack for finding commonalities with others and making connections.

I tend to get excited about the last best thing I've done, so:

latest book -- Nemesis, Philip Roth
lastest movie -- Argo
lastest meal -- Homemade tabouli.
lastest music -- Tschaikovsky Symphonies.

Not into showtunes, and I don't really watch TV.

People not being things, I won't list Friends and Family.
SO, in no particular order:
Breakfast.
My car, for the freedom it allows.
Opera.
Something good to read.
Nature.
Sleep mask and earplugs.
Sharp knives.

PSA: Did you know you can buy very good wine in a box now? No oxidation, and a much smaller carbon footprint. Try it.

Being in the moment. Listening to the music in my head. Where I would take my future boyfriend on a secret surprise trip for his birthday. Supper. Wondering why no one has opened up a gay bar at Macchu Picchu.

If not performing, then out to dinner or an event.

I tear up when I watch those It Gets Better videos on youtube.

You like backrubs. You are aware. You're serious about getting off this damn website.