I grew up in Albemarle County, Virginia, and listened to my mother play the piano since I was a baby. I started piano lessons at age 8, and began playing guitar soon after. After lots of rock bands (high school) and classical music making (college, grad schools, and professionally), I returned to central Virginia three years ago and have been playing with several non-classical groups, including a recently formed duo with vocalist Tonimarie Morris called “4th Street Manor.” To paraphrase one of my mentors: I have three music degrees, but I hope they don’t hurt my playing too much!

I heard the Beatles in person, so not much will ever compare with that, even the undoubtedly near-sighted woman at a gig recently who swore I was the spitting image of Sir Paul McCartney. What?!? Really, I just want to teach, play, and write more music.