I have been the principal bassist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 2017 and professor of double bass at Nazareth College since 2019.

I grew up around Atlanta, GA and started playing piano when I was around 7 years old and bass and guitar when I was 11. Most of my education has been on the upright bass. I've studied classical bass performance at major music schools on the east coast and in the midwest. I've studied and worked with musicians from many of the great orchestras around the world.

I enjoy working with students who are just coming to the bass, guitar, or piano for the first time and getting them started with music in a rewarding way as well as more advanced students that need finer musical direction or audition coaching.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep a relaxed environment while still being motivating and inspiring. I tailor lessons around what the individual student's goals are. There are materials that I like to use with most students but I'm open to using anything that meets the needs and desires of the student.

I try to find a nice balance of technique work and music. It's important to develop healthy technique from the very beginning. It's very easy to develop bad habits that can have serious health risks down the road (i.e. tendonitis, carpal tunnel, back pain, etc.) that can make it difficult if not impossible to keep playing. I've spent many years undoing bad habits that I developed from the first years that I played bass without any formal instruction. Yoga, Alexander technique, massage, and many great teachers have helped me overcome the issues I had and have helped me develop healthy habits. I try to pass this education on to my students so that they can have an enjoyable and healthy experience with music for the rest of their lives.



*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano and music stand. Living room with seating for parents.

The students need to provide their own bass and bow or guitar and music.

*** Specialties ***
Classical. I have studied with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic and my teaching and playing reflect the traditions of these teachers and orchestras.