In June of 2002, I graduated from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Appleton Wisconsin with a B.Mus degree in Music Theory/Composition (with an emphasis in jazz studies). During my time at Lawrence, I worked on my trumpet playing, singing, arranging and composing. My focus at Lawrence, however, was primarily writing (for both large and small ensembles within the jazz idiom). My teachers during this time included John Harmon, Ken Shaphorst, Bob Levy, Nick Keelan, George Ferencz, and Steve Wiest.

I was the section leader and lead trumpet player of LUJE (The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble) for over 2 years. In 2000, we won the Downbeat award for best college jazz ensemble. The group made several recordings, including "The Music of John Harmon," which features Bobby Shew on trumpet. In February of 2002, I gave my senior recital, which featured LUJE, The Lawrence Saxophone Quartet, Bob Levy, and several small ensembles.

In addition to the interests prompted by my required course work, ensemble participation, and research, my four years at Lawrence sparked several additional interests. During my freshman year, I founded a 5-part male a cappella group which I named "Chameleon". For 3 years I directed the group, which performed on campus and on city street corners. Last winter, we released a 10-track CD. Through this group, I developed a strong interest in contemporary vocal a cappella writing and performance.

In 1998 I established a music copying business using Finale. My copy work in both the jazz and classical styles has been praised as being of high quality and has been published as sheet music for ensembles in this country and abroad. In addition, my copy work has been used in textbooks, musical journals, and in research articles published by Cambridge University Press.

Over the last two years, I have been developing an interest in teaching. In addition to my direction of the LUJE trumpets and "Chameleon", I have also been a tutor for Lawrence's music theory department and have taught many faculty and students to use Finale. In addition, I have been on Steve Wiest's jazz camp (UW-Whitewater) staff for five years, and I have taught small groups for the previous two.

I am currently building a trumpet studio at Light’s Music Center at 888 Goodpasture Island Rd. in Eugene.