About Me:

I’m a Mississippi native who currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri
with my wife Pam, and our cats, Butterscotch and Gracie.

I am an avid collector of all things musical,
including instruments, recordings, sheet music, and books.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing,
and surfing for obscure trivia on the internet.

Pam is a hospital information systems consultant
and a quilting aficionado.

Gracie likes to play with cat toys, Butterscotch likes to eat.

 

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

I have a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Delta State University and have done graduate work at numerous schools, including VanderCook College of Music and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. My experience includes over 20 years of teaching music, band, and orchestral instruments in K-12 public schools and at the junior college level. Along the way, I’ve taught private lessons in all of these instruments to children and adults. I’ve performed with the Overland Park Civic Band, the Kansas City Wind Symphony, and as a guest performer at schools and churches in the area. I’m an adjunct faculty member of the music department at Neosho County Community College, and I am also active as a music judge for 4-H programs and at school-sponsored events.

Music and Education are both passions of mine which exist independently and jointly. I enjoy working in positions where I can draw on my skills and background in music education to facilitate and encourage the growth of others, both academically and personally.

I am equally comfortable with piano, band instruments, or orchestral instruments. I have a great deal of experience composing and arranging music, and enjoy ALL types of popular and classical music. Most recently, my career focus has been working with junior college students in on-line music appreciation courses. I truly believe that music can be a common bond for everyone.

 

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES:

  • Every person can learn and be active in music.
  • Musical study increases aptitude for learning in every subject.
  • Musical performance skills equate with life performance skills.
  • Personal Excellence is the benchmark for all learning.

 

MUSICAL INTERESTS:

  • Popular Music
  • Old Hymnals
  • Christmas Music
  • Erik Satie and Les Six
  • Composing and Arranging