I began playing guitar at age 15. My uncle gave me my first instrument, a Martin Sigma, and I started out influenced by the blues cd’s my dad listened to. When I was a sophmore in high school a friend of mine played some flamenco guitar for me, which inspired me to start studying classical guitar. I did that up until my sophmore year of college. At that time I was getting more interested in guitarists like Michael Hedges. Listening to him led me to other guitarists who specialized more in celtic music like Al Petteway, Steve Baughman, and Tony Mcmanus. I had been listening to irish music a bit due to my friend who played the bagpipes, and hearing these guitarists inspired me try my hand at my own arrangements.
During one of my summers between semesters I attended the Swannanoa Gathering Guitar Week in Ashville, North Carolina. This was possibly one of the best things I could have done for my music, as it put me in touch with other players to interact with. Steve Baughman, Robin Bullock, and Al Petteway were all extremely gracious with their time and advice. I have attended the Swannanoa Gathering five times and strongly recommend it.
I went to college in Tallahassee Florida and got thoroughly wrapped up in the irish session scene there. It was a small one but good, with lots of quality players. I continued to live there after college and work for the government. I started learning tunes on flute, continue to arrange pieces on guitar, and basically played alot of music.
Now i live in Portland Oregon and thoroughly enjoy it here. The area has a great irish music scene, and i can play at sessions several times a week. I continue to play alot of guitar, and recently released my debut cd, Noone Lasses.