(He/Him)

Music is about sharing thoughts and emotions with others. It is sharing between the musicians playing the music and sharing between the musicians and the listeners. I find great satisfaction in participating in this process and teaching others how to participate.

After attending College of Marin, San Francisco State University, and The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I began a lifetime of touring professionally. I have toured with many of my heroes. These include musicians in Jazz (Pete Escobedo) and rock (Willie Nelson; Brian Setzer).

I spent many years taking private lessons from some very inspirational teachers. These teachers prepared me for musical experiences as well as life experiences. I carry many of those lessons with me today and try to pass them on to others. Because of the small class sizes at TMS, I am able to teach like a private teacher with an eye toward the individual student.

I began my teaching career by offering private lessons. Some of my private students went to The Marin School and these students recommended me as a band teacher. I have been at the TMS for more than two decades and I can’t think of a better place to teach. The Marin School has such a diverse faculty and student body. I love having a small jazz band that does not necessarily have the same instrumentation from year to year. I love being able to tailor the material for the class to the instrumentation, interests and abilities of the students. This allows me to help the students be more creative and learn more about improvisation. I look forward to many more diverse instrumentalists and vocalists coming through the band.

Outside of music, both teaching and performing, I love being with my family. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful daughters. We love traveling together and being out in nature.