My story

Born and raised amidst the vibrant musical landscape of Southern California, I embarked on my musical journey in 7th grade when I first laid hands on the trumpet. My life would forever change under the tutelage of a remarkable mentor, Bill Perkins, who ignited my passion for the instrument.

As my dedication to the trumpet deepened, I found myself honing my skills in various esteemed youth orchestras, including the Orange County Youth Symphony and the Pacific Symphony Institute. It was during this time that I was fortunate enough to study under the guidance of the distinguished LA Chamber Orchestra and LA Opera Principal trumpet player, David Washburn, whose expertise became my guiding light.

With Dave's mentorship, I took a pivotal step forward in my musical odyssey, attending Northwestern University, an opportunity that felt like a dream come true. My time at Northwestern proved to be an invaluable chapter in my journey, as I had the privilege of studying under an array of illustrious trumpet luminaries, including Vincent Cichowicz, Luther Didrickson, William Scarlett, Barbara Butler, and Charlie Geyer.

My quest for musical excellence continued at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where I pursued graduate studies under the guidance of David Burkhart, further enriching my musical knowledge and prowess. Armed with a Master's degree, my journey led me back to my Southern California roots.

Throughout the years, I embraced a diverse array of musical experiences, freelancing with numerous esteemed ensembles up and down California. I lent my trumpet talents to orchestras such as the Berkeley Symphony, Oakland East Bay Symphony, Marin Symphony, San Jose Opera, Monterey Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, Lamplighters, Symphony Napa Valley, Fresno Philharmonic, and the Pacific Symphony.

The global pandemic presented a new chapter in my life as my family relocated to Minneapolis. In this unfamiliar territory, I seized opportunities to make my mark, taking on the role of Principal Trumpet with the Mankato Symphony and the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, I have had the privilege of performing with renowned orchestras such as the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Not content with just performing, my passion for sharing the art of trumpet playing has led me to cultivate a thriving teaching studio in Minneapolis and contribute to the growth of emerging talents at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music. My journey is an ongoing symphony, a fusion of education, performance, and dedication to the art of the trumpet, ever-evolving as I strive for excellence in music and inspire others to do the same.