I was born in 1971, and currently work as a customer service rep for a consumer finance company. I'm also married, child-free by choice, and "father" of two dogs and a cat.

My first experience with the guitar was age 8. My dad owns a Folk guitar that I used to watch him play. He taught me a few basic chords that I played around with for about a week, but the guitar was too big to play comfortably, and I lost interest in continuing. At that age though, I was more interested in other things than seriously taking up a musical instrument. The guitar proved more a curiosity than anything. I definitely don't consider myself any kind of 'prodigy'.

Still, the guitar has never ceased to amaze me. The coordination required between two hands, facing opposite directions, to play six strings in such a manner as to create some semblence of music, is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, I own 4 guitars - a Takamine classical, Yamaha folk, Ibanez electric, and a BC Rich electric.

I took my first lessons at a guitar shop when I was 22. I had purchased a starter kit, including an Epiphone electric and a 12-watt amp for $200. It was my first guitar. Unfortunately, I didn't have a real clear idea of what I wanted to play. Actually, I knew I wanted to play Rock, but I had no idea what kind of training I needed to play it. My lack of a clear goal, coupled with frustration I was feeling from having an teacher who seemed intent on teaching me scales via Bach's "Bouree in E Minor", caused me much grief. As a result, I seldom practiced, and stopped taking lessons after my 3rd lesson. Eventually, I found my Epiphone spending more time collecting dust in the closet than being used at all, so I sold it in hopes that someone else might find it useful.

Now I'm older, wiser, and much more in touch with myself. More importantly, I've finally figured out what I want to do with the rest of my life and am pursuing a career as a Session Musician.

My tastes in music have also broadened, considerably. My two most favorite genres of music are Classical and Heavy Metal, and include Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Blues Rock, 80's "Hair" Metal, Neo-Classical Metal, Symphonic Metal, Goth Metal, Baroque, Opera, and film scores. I also finally have a grasp on the relationship that each genre shares with the other. Such is the reason why I'm studying Classical guitar - to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of Metal and an even greater appreciation for Classical music. I plan to use my foundation as a Classical guitarist to transition into other genres and styles.

Sadly, there are few instructors here in Kansas City - at least few that are within a 10-minute drive of my house. Much to my fortune, in August, 2003, I was introduced to a teacher who's own skills encompass multiple genres, including Blues, Classical, and Classic Rock. He teaches out of his home. I've been taking private instruction from him ever since.