“

 Music washes away from the soul, the dust of every day life

”

 -  Berthold Auerbach

Born in Normal, Illinois, I began studying saxophone at the age of ten, primarily to impress my childhood friend, who told me that the saxophone was "the coolest instrument".  Turns out he was right.  

After graduating from high school I moved to Jacksonville, Florida to study under the legendary alto saxophonist and educator Bunky Green at the University of North Florida.  Private study with the master left a lasting impression on me, and solidified my dedication to jazz saxophone.  I will forever be grateful to the time I had with Bunky, and I highly encourage all of you to familiarize yourself with his recordings.  Also during my time at UNF, I was able to perform with some of the greatest living jazz musicians of the time, including Dave Brubeck, Slide Hampton, Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, Jimmy Cobb, Kurt Elling, Ron Blake, and many more.  This proximity to legends of the craft was an enormous inspiration to me, and I've been trying to live by their examples ever since.  

After graduating in 2008, I made the move to New York City to pursue a Master's degree from Queens College, studying with Antonio Hart.  Antonio drove home the importance of getting back to the basics: mastering the most basic elements of the instrument, such as scales and arpeggios, as well as the importance of a good sound and a good feel.  

I perform on soprano, alto, tenor, and bass saxophone as well as clarinet and bass clarinet with a number of NYC-based ensembles.