Hey all. Here’s how I got my start in the music world.

I grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, with my parents and my two sisters. When we were kids, my grandmother was insistent that all three of us learn to play the piano, because it was shown that piano lessons helped development in positive skills. So at the age of 7, I began learning music. I started playing the trumpet at the age of 9. It wasn’t really a huge passion of mine at the time, but it was something to do. I didn’t really gain a true appreciation for the instrument until I was 12, when my middle school had open auditions for the Jazz Band. I made it in, and since then, playing the trumpet has been a way of life.

I received my degree in Jazz Studies from DePaul University, and have had the pleasure to work with many of the terrific faculty members there. I joined World Class Noise in late 2009, after hearing a lot of good things about the group, and have enjoyed every day of it since then.

Throughout my playing history, I’ve performed with such artists as Jim McNeely, Phil Woods, Victor Goines, Wynton Marsalis, Ruben Alvarez, and even opened for the late great Maynard Ferguson.

Playing trumpet for me is a way to make life more fun, for both me and the people around me. Music is all about energy, and sharing it with those who want to hear it. So I hope you enjoy the energy I’m sending your way.