My first musical memories were of listening to my father play the family piano at our home in Toledo, Ohio. I would become mesmerized as he sat and “tickled the ivory” for what seemed like hours. I remember that his repertoire was vast and eclectic with a particular love for boogie woogie. Little did I know that these early musical experiences were building the foundation for my deep love and appreciation of music.
At the age of twelve, I experienced my first live rock band at a local Y.M.C.A. dance. I was so blown away by what I heard and saw that I immediately went out and purchased a cheap guitar and haven’t set it down since! Fast forward eleven years to twenty-three, I attended the Guitar Institute of Technology, a private music school in North Hollywood, CA. After graduation, I returned to Ohio where for the next seven years I performed music professionally in a variety of rock bands throughout the Midwest. It was during this time that I joined a band where I would meet my future wife, Tracy. In 1991, I decided to pursue my bachelor’s degree in music and moved to Boston, MA where I attended Berklee College of Music. After graduation, I returned again to the Midwest and continued my education in music therapy at Michigan State University.
I find great fulfillment in my career as a music therapist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Music therapy has provided me a unique opportunity to combine my love for music with my desire to impact people in a meaningful and positive way. If you’d like to learn more about music therapy, please go to the American Music Therapy Association's website: www.musictherapy.org.
In addition to my work at the hospital, I also find great joy in writing, performing, and recording original music. Currently I am performing with my wife, Tracy, as well as writing material for my second album, which I hope to release in 2012. My early encounters with music have truly grown into my lifelong passion. Thank you Dad!
Some of my most notable musical influences are: Dean Huffman (my father), Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Phil Keaggy, Robin Ford, John Scofield, Oscar Peterson, John Coltrane, Chet Baker and Louie Armstrong.