Holland draws inspiration from classical, jazz, hip-hop, and other musical genres, as well as from visual art, architecture, poetry, dramatic works, and contemporary events. Early studies of piano, trumpet, tuba, and double-bass led him to Interlochen Arts Academy, where he discovered music composition. He continued his studies with Ned Rorem at Curtis Institute of Music, and Bernard Rands and Mario Davidovsky at Harvard University, in addition to studies with Andrew Imbrie, Yehudi Wyner, and Robert Sirota. He is currently Chair of Composition, Contemporary Music, and Core Studies at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and was formerly Faculty Co-Chair of composition at Vermont College of Fine Arts. He has also served as faculty at the Berklee College of Music, and the Curtis Summerfest Program.
Holland has been commissioned by numerous orchestras, ensembles, and soloists. Recipient of the He served as the first ever Composer-in-Residence with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra during the 2018-19 season. His work Ode premiered in November, 2018 and his the fifth work for the orchestra, following the initial commission in 2003 of Halcyon Sun, written to celebrate the opening of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Holland has also been commissioned by the Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, among others. Future collaborations and performances are scheduled by the Arx Duo, Buffalo Philharmonic, Concord Chorus, Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, and Eighth Blackbird, and more.
More information can be found on his website.