I grew up in Rockland County, NY. As a young man, I explored many musical styles and genres; I was in residence for two years in symphony orchestras in South America, then later freelanced in New York City performing salsa, Haitian compas and folk music, brass chamber music, orchestral music, jazz, Broadway show music, and alternative rock.  I started my Bachelor of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music, continued at Rutgers University, and finished it at William Paterson College. I began composing and continued my schooling with a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and a Ph.D. from New York University. Now I'm an Associate Professor at my alma mater, William Paterson University, where I teach a variety of classes in jazz history, research and writing in jazz, analysis, and jazz trombone to both undergraduate and graduate students. And, I play jazz on the​ bass trombone wherever and whenever I can. 

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