My Musical History

I began playing the bass in the early 80's while working at a popular guitar shop in Chico, California. Shortly after picking up the bass I started gigging in local Top 40 and heavy metal bands. In 1984 I took on my first private student and really enjoyed the experience. I was hooked!

Knowing that I wanted a career as a professional bass player and instructor, I realized that I needed more education to be successful. In March of 1989 I enrolled at the Bass Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. As a BIT student I was exposed to every style of music available and every aspect of music theory and application. BIT also gave me the incredible opportunity to study with such bass icons as Stuart Hamm, Jeff Berlin, Steve Bailey, Gary Willis, Alexis Sklarevski, and many other amazing players. Upon graduation, I was given the Most Improved Student award and an endorsement with Peavey Basses and Amplifiers.

I began performing and recording in Los Angeles, and conducting bass clinics all over the nation for Peavey. At the same time, BIT hired me on as an instructor and counselor - positions that I held until 1994. In addition to teaching at BIT, I was also writing regular articles for Bass Player Magazine and I wrote and recorded an instructional video series called "Bass Basics" (currently distributed by Alfred Publishing). It was during this time that I also began endorsing Warwick basses and amplifiers.

I decided to leave BIT and took the position as Editor-in-chief for Bass Frontiers magazine. This job allowed me to move back up to Northern California, which I had been missing dearly. The long hours required in magazine publication did not allow me to teach or perform as much as I wanted to, so I resigned my position and started working as the marketing director for a music instrument distributor. As a Warwick endorser I also was sent on extensive clinics tours across the nation.

Currently I am teaching private bass lessons from my home in Folsom, California. I also currently have an endorsement agreement with MTD Kingston basses.

Ever since that first student in 1984, I have not stopped teaching private bass lessons. Teaching is truly a passion of mine and has made me a better bass player and has kept me up-to-date on current music and new bass techniques.