Born a city-boy in Kansas, it is the Kansas landscape and the working people that inspires me. Farmer, teacher, nurse, factory worker, urban and rural families are the ones who make this State great.  Early morning  sunrise over the flint hills or a star stretched night sky of western Kansas, or a lively evening in the heart of the city, this state reverberates in my soul.

I am a native Kansan who grew up in Topeka and moved to Wichita, Kansas to attend Friends University. There I received a degree in Music Education and then went to Wichita State University where I received a Masters in Music Education (Conducting). I then taught in the Wichita district for 11 years before setting out as a full time musician.

I am a member of the Kansas Arts on Tour Roster with the Kansas Arts Commission. I am also a Wolf Trap Early Education Teaching Artist and a Baby ArtsPlay Teaching Artist with Kansas Wolf Trap. I am a founding Artist with Arts Partners Wichita where I am a roster Artist as well as serving as the Artist Coordinator for the organization. I am a proud member of AFM Local 1000.

In 1990, I co-founded Hope Street Youth Development and served as it’s Executive Directory for 19 years. The organization worked with middle and high school students providing leadership opportunities including academic and youth organizing. This experience allowed me the opportunity to listen and work closely with students.

My music career includes 11 years of public school education with memberships in MENC (Music Education National Conference) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). I have trained with the Kansas School Team Training for Substance Abuse Training. I am a consultant with several schools across south-central Kansas on issues of self-esteem, goal setting and leadership development in young people.