I am a multi-talented musician who got my start playing guitar at the age of eight. I continued with music all the way through high school, and after graduating joined the Army where I played guitar, bass and drums in the Army Band program for eight and a half years. While in the Army Band, I played for two US presidents and several major artists. I had also performed in several countries (and I speak five languages). While stationed in Korea, I recorded four jazz albums with the incomparable Fred Hughes Jr. and Kim Jun in the band “Just Friends”, and sang on Korean television.
After my tour of duty was complete, I went on to become a 5th grade band director in Palm Springs, CA where I taught approximately 1,000 students. During this time I continued my own musical education and performance, becoming proficient at playing many other instruments including saxophone, clarinet, and bassoon.
While on a visit to Nashville, TN I decided to broaden my musical experience by delving into the Country Music Genre and moved to the “Music City”. During my twelve years there, I performed with several well-known artists such as Bryan White, Toby Keith, The Bellamy Brothers, The Randall Brothers, Lonestar, Steve Wariner, Charlie Daniels and The Marshall Tucker Band.
I am now living in Southwest Michigan where I run my recording studio and publishing company, Smooth Melon Publishing. I am also still teaching music to private students, as well as continuing my writing and performance.
