TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

Music is the universal language. My approach to teaching music involves finding what each individual personally is looking for in music and guiding them in expressing it. While learning the kinesthetic skills of an instrument, we gain knowledge across the board as human beings. Whether it is your first time learning how to play an instrument or you are experienced, there are always opportunities to learn and further our horizons as musicians and human beings with the power of music education.

MY BACKGROUND: 

I was born in Seattle, WA and have spent most of my life in the Midwest. I bean learning music and performing at a young age for school ceremonies and for local churches. I immediately noticed the presence of music and how it connects people regardless of background. Originally a trumpet player, I found the bass while growing up listening to 80’s thrash metal and the explosive grunge scene in the 90’s. I fell in love with the voice of the bass as the bedrock of music and of ensembles. From my metal roots, I discovered the world of jazz and jazz fusion which furthered my pursuit of the role of the bass. Eventually experiencing orchestral ass playing solidified that I had found my place in the world of music. Pursuing my passion for bass led me to graduate from Northern Kentucky University with a B.A. in orchestral performance studying with members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra then attaining a M.A. in orchestral performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where I studied and performed with members of the Cleveland Orchestra. My goal is to continue to pursue opportunities to share the gift of music and music education with as many people as I possibly can.

WHEN I’M NOT TEACHING: 

My wife, song, and I live in Northern Kentucky and love spending our time by the river and enjoying all that the Cincinnati area has to offer. Married to a lyric soprano, we continue to learn and experience music together coming from such opposite end of the musical spectrum. Always something new to experience or learn together, especially living in such a vibrant area.