I was born in Winfield, Illinois in 1984 and began playing the guitar when I was 14. It was the combined influences of my brother Steve and long-time buddies Tim Foster 'n Drew Fortson that attracted me to the guitar in the first place. I said "Hey Steve, will you teach me how to play guitar after you get outta school?" After struggling for quite some time to accurately form a C chord, I was thoroughly inspired.

It was my mom who encouraged me to start learning how to read music. Half-a-my lessons were divided between playing classic rock tunes and learning how to read. My teacher Russell Turek was classically trained and studied with the classical guitarist Scott Johnston of whom I would later become a student.

My classical studies began in 2001 during my junior year of high school at the College of DuPage with Scott Johnston. Mr. Johnston was a former student of Christopher Parkening and, during a a typical lesson not unlike any other, he said "Have you thought about going to Pepperdine?" At the time, I thought Pepperdine was in Connecticut and was confused when I saw pictures of palm trees on their website. The following year I transferred to Pepperdine University and became a private student of Christopher Parkening.
The next three years were absolutely amazing. What a blessing and privilege it was to study under Mr. Parkening. A musical icon and devoted Jesus follower, Mr. Parkening challenged me to pursue excellence in both my musical and personal life.
In 2005 and 2006 I had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Pepperdine University Orchestra. And when I became a Senior, Mr. Parkening asked me to perform Elmer Bernstein's guitar concerto with the YMF for a special tribute to the late film composer. Talk about being nervous . . .

My Pepperdine friend Brandon Jones helped me record a CD of original instrumental guitar compositions and arrangements entitled Meditations (2005). He was even so kind as to record a couple on his own CD (Enlightenment, 2004). Meditations has been broadcast worldwide and spent some time on the shelves of Hobby Lobby. Thanks mom. :)

My parents, along with the rest-a-my family, have always supported my music and things wouldn't have turned out the way they did without their mone . . . uh, love and encouragement.

I graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in Classical Guitar Performance and just finished a MM at the University of Southern California working with Scott Tennant. This Fall I will be starting the DMA at SC and teaching guitar at both Pepperdine and Eleos Arts.
James 1:17