Graduated From El Camino High. B.M. in Music Ed with a focus on Bass from CSUS. Single Subject Credential in music from CSUS. M.A. in music performance from CSUS. Current Bass and Guitar Teacher at SCC. Current Band Director at Center High. I grew up in Sacramento but didn't start playing Bass until I was 16 in Kevin Glaser's band Where I fell in love with music. I knew I wanted to be a music teacher and worked hard to catch up. The snag was I loved jazz but to be a music teacher you were required to classical studies so I began working on orchestra and solo rep at Sac State while playing in all the jazz bands until I earned my BM in music education. I then, proceeded to get my single subject credential in music and followed that with a masters in classical bass performance. I love being a band teacher, but private lessons on my principal instruments are tremendously fulfilling, and at the college level I have found a passion for interacting at a high level with passionate students

I have always tried to be encouraging while also maintaining a drive for growth. I try to be understanding of my students situations, but while maintaining rigor. I teach by and large through a use of humor and compassion. I want my students to come to a lesson and be happy and not dread it like I used to. With all my students, private and at the high school I build personal relationships as a foundation to build the trust of being vulnerable and receiving feedback about their playing without losing confidence.

I start with the fundamentals, every student of mine needs to have a fingering system whether it be for guitar, Upright bass or electric bass. My goal is to make every student of mine be able to figure pieces out on their own with out a teacher by the end of their time with me. I focus on the gaps in knowledge through exercises from various schools, and then progress to etudes when the technique is sound. My style relaxed with a focus on personal growth. I had many teachers that would try to build growth throw aggression and nasty comments so I do my best to be on the other side of the coin. how I teach my instruments largely will come from where ever the kid is and we go from there.