My Musical Journey

I have played piano since age four.  At age seven, I took up guitar.  My influences include The Beatles, CCR, Led Zeppelin and U2.  Additionally, as a multi-instrumentalist, I also play 12-string guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, mandolin, Hammond organ, harmonica, alto and tenor saxophone and drums and percussion.  I am a student of South African classical guitarist Derek Gripper, jazz saxophonist Peter Spitzer and multi-instrumentalist Frank Conrad.  I have attended the Stanford Jazz Workshop as a bassist. 

On guitar I incorporate different styles of music into my playing.  I will take the rhythm and melodies of a song and use it in my solos, a technique I have learned makes solos more interesting and rewarding to the listeners.  I also use my knowledge of music theory and ear training in arrangements, accompaniments, solos and backups.

My experience as a performing musician began at age 11 on guitar with a local cover band.  When I perform with bands it is my responsibility to carry the band through a song.  In doing so I will compose a cover into my own version adding breaks, dynamics, solos and key changes making the song and band sound unique.