In 1999, I received a Bachelor of Arts in music from Luther College . My primary area of study was saxophone performance. In completing my major I studied Music Theory, Music History, Ear Training, Conducting Techniques, Composition, Ethnomusicology, Brass Education Techniques, and Woodwind Education Techniques. I studied other subjects such as Literature, History, the Spanish Language, Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology.

After graduation from Luther College I studied Jazz Pedagogy at the University of Northern Iowa for one semester. There I studied Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Pedagogy, Classical Analysis, Classical History, and Bass Guitar Techniques.

After attending UNI I worked at the Music Loft in Cedar Rapids. While there, I studied Education Foundations and Percussion Education Techniques at Coe College for one semester. After a year at the Music Loft, I began working at West Music in Marion, where I worked for three and a half years. As a salesperson I learned about sound reinforcement techniques, basic electronics, basic guitar repair and maintenance, business, economics, advertising, and human relations. Most of all I had the opportunity to learn from many exceptional musicians.

I am currently studying the music of Latin America, known as “Salsa”, a music that is steeped in rhythmic traditions reaching back hundreds of years to Africa. This is a music that is a staple in the repertoire of most high school jazz bands, yet few directors have the resources or the time to devote to learn such styles. It is my goal to teach students how to authentically perform the rhythmic and harmonic style of Salsa music.