I started playing harmonica in the third grade, and back then the schools had a music teacher that came to the schools to teach music.  In the fourth grade I started playing the clarinet, and also took about four years of private instruction. In the seventh grade I became interested in jazz and swing, so I took up the alto sax. I was first chair in the marching band on the clarinet and was first chair on the sax in the swing band.  I then took up jazz guitar, and had about two years of private instruction.  It seemed like the bass players in jazz had all the fun so I learned to play upright bass.  I then turned to country music but it was about that time that country music was making the transformation to rock so I turned to bluegrass instead.  After learning to play bluegrass rhythm guitar, I turned to the banjo and then later it was the dobro.

I like to listen to different types of music, but I love the interaction of the instruments in bluegrass.  To me, this is one of the things that make a group “click”.  I have gotten to play with many very talented and professional musicians through the years, and I am on numerous CD’s with different bands and people.  I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with my hero, Curtis McPeake, and discussing his theory on how bluegrass music should be played.

So whether you are beginner or an experienced player I can help you play better, smoother, with more understanding, and with more feeling in a way that makes sense.  I find that too many instructors tell you what to play without explaining why.  Why do we “hammer on”, “pull off” and “slide” when playing?  What are “phrases” and how do we recognize them?  My teaching method helps you make sense of what you are doing and will have you playing more smoothly in no-time…which is what I preach to all my students.  If you live anywhere near Clearwater, Florida and are interested in taking banjo, guitar, dobro or upright bass lessons please drop me an e-mail with your name and number and I will call you to discuss it further.  I have students that drive three hours or more to take lessons and I can tailor lessons to meet anyone’s skill level from beginner to professional.

If you are interested in seeing my two personal banjos, please click the links below:

Custom Silver Juggernaut III Custom Silver Grand Artist Spring