I began playing piano at age 4 and after learning songs by ear, at age 5 my parents decided to sign me up for piano lessons. At age 10, I started playing trumpet and have played both trumpet and piano throughout the years.

In high school I played the solo chair in jazz band and was in my first R&B funk, rock group. Following High School I attended Green River Community College in WA playing trumpet in the jazz band, as well as, sang in the vocal jazz group. After moving to LA. I studied trumpet for 5 years with one of the best instructors in the country, Claude Gordon. He sat on the NBC Studio Orchestra and was known as the king of brass. While studying with Claude, I played in several Jazz bands, R&B Funk, Blues, Classic Rock and a Latin group. We played everything from night clubs, corporate functions to private parties. Due to my piano background, I was able to double on both keys and trumpet. In addition, I studied some jazz piano and B-3 organ in order to better my classic rock and blues chops on keys.

For multiple years, I taught trumpet and piano. Currently I play in a local classic rock band and gig a couple times a month.

I’ve always believed learning piano at an early age lays the ground work to pursue any other instrument and style of music young students may be interested in.