What can I say about who I am?
Well... I'm just a guy who loves playing the piano. I've played for about forty years, and I still love everything about the piano. I love the look, the feel, and most importantly the sound!
The early years
From an early age, I loved climbing up to the piano. There was just something about it that seemed to be calling to me. I desperately wanted to take piano lessons, but I was told that I needed to wait until my eighth birthday. So, when I turned eight, I couldn't wait to begin my piano journey. I started taking lessons from a wonderful woman, Maxine Nord. She would travel to my home each week to provide me with a 30-minute lesson.
I was a quick study, and sometimes a bit of a lazy student too. Music came naturally, and it was easy for me to listen to my teacher play my songs during a lesson, and pick it up just from listening to her. Luckily, my teacher never focused on my ability to play by ear. Maxine had me fill out my theory books each week and practice for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I loved playing and performing and soon found myself playing for school assemblies, at the mall during the holidays, and I started accompanying for my church choir.
Music fulfilled me. It brought me so much joy, and throughout my school years, I had opportunities to participate in multiple musical adjudications where I generally did very well.
Service, Sickness, and Survival
After High School, I decided to serve a mission for my church. I served in New England where I had many opportunities to continue playing the piano. I played for the local congregations where I lived. I found opportunities to play with street musicians in the subway stations. I truly was having the time of my life.
One day I woke up in my apartment in Peterborough, NH feeling extremely weak and sick. Doctors tried to determine what was going on, but they were unable to identify anything specific. As a result, I was released from my service so that I could return home and hopefully heal.
During this period of time, I didn't have the strength to get out of bed. I missed playing the piano. Eventually, the doctors concluded that I was suffering from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Through a series of a various treatments including surgery along with using some fantastic Chinese herbal supplements, I found myself strong enough to make my way back to the piano.
Let's talk about NOW
A funny little thing happened to me while I was sick and unable to play. I think I always had a natural ability for playing by ear, but I'd never been taught to take advantage of it. So, when it came time to start playing again, I found myself suddenly able to play by ear.
I sat myself down at a digital piano and recorded for my first album of improvised music. I was able to hear a melody in my head and just let my hands play it. It was amazing. I started playing a lot. I played background for weddings. I just found myself having a lot of fun with music.
Life has been one adventure after another. And for me, music has been a huge part of my life. I now live in SW Washington with my wife, our three children, and our sweet mini golden doodle named Daisy. I play whenever I get the chance. I play the organ for my local congregation at church. And, when I get a little free time, I find myself attempting to record some new tracks.