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I was born in Winfield, Illinois in
1984 and began playing the
guitar when I was 14. It was the combined influences of my
brother Steve and long-time buddies Tim Foster 'n Drew Fortson
that attracted
me to the guitar in the first place. I said "Hey Steve, will
you teach me how to play guitar after you get outta school?"
After struggling for quite some time to accurately form a C
chord, I was thoroughly inspired.
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It was my mom who encouraged me to start
learning how to read music. Half-a-my lessons were
divided between playing classic rock tunes and learning how to
read. My teacher
Russell Turek was classically trained and
studied with the classical guitarist Scott Johnston of whom I
would later become a student.
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My classical studies began in 2001 during my junior year of
high school at the
College
of DuPage with Scott Johnston. Mr. Johnston was a former
student of Christopher Parkening
and, during a a typical lesson not unlike any other, he said
"Have you thought about going to Pepperdine?" At the
time, I thought Pepperdine was in Connecticut and was
confused when I saw pictures of palm trees on their website. The following year I transferred to
Pepperdine University
and became a private student of
Christopher Parkening.
- The next three years were
absolutely amazing. What a blessing and privilege it was to
study under Mr. Parkening. A musical icon and devoted
Jesus follower, Mr. Parkening challenged me to pursue excellence
in both my musical and personal life.
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In 2005 and 2006 I had the opportunity to perform
as a soloist with the Pepperdine University Orchestra. And
when I became a Senior, Mr. Parkening asked me to perform
Elmer
Bernstein's guitar concerto with the
YMF for a
special tribute to the late film composer. Talk about
being nervous . . .
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My Pepperdine friend
Brandon Jones
helped me record a CD of original instrumental guitar
compositions and arrangements entitled
Meditations
(2005). He was even so kind as to
put a couple of my pieces on his
own CD (Enlightenment, 2004).
Meditations has been broadcast worldwide and spent some time on the shelves of
Hobby Lobby.
Thanks mom. :)
My parents, along with the rest-a-my family, have always
supported my music and things wouldn't have turned out the
way they did without their mone . . . uh, love and
encouragement.
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