My goal is to give my clients first class professionalism.
Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, my musical education began on piano at the age of 6 under the tutelage of Katie Anderson. This training proved invaluable when first picking up the guitar at age 15.
I spent the next two years learning as much as I could about playing electric and acoustic guitar. During this time, an article in the Western Star caught my eye and shortly thereafter I began classical guitar lessons with future Acadia University professor Eugene Cormier.
A year later, I won the top prize - the Senior Rose Bowl - in the Corner Brook Rotary Music Festival. I am the only classical guitarist to ever win the award usually dominated by vocalists and pianists. This event marks a significant place in my development and passion for playing classical guitar.
My success continued when I went on to place 2nd in the Strings Category at the Newfoundland Provincial Music Festival in 2001. I moved to Wolfville Nova Scotia in 2002 to study at Acadia University. I've since graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance. During my years in Nova Scotia, I've added the following to my resume:
• Five time winner of Senior & Outstanding Guitar at the Annapolis Valley Music Festival
• Four time winner of the Nova Scotia Provincial Music Festival, Guitar category
• 2nd place at the Canadian National Music Festival in 2009 & 3rd place in 2011, Honourable Mention in 2012
Also in 2009, I was accepted for studies under world renowned Canadian classical guitarist Dale Kavanagh at the prestigious Koblenz International Guitar Academy in Germany. Under Ms Kavanagh's tutelage, I graduated with honours, earning a mark of 1,5 on the final Performance Diploma exam. I am honoured to be the first Canadian ever to graduate from this Academy.
I have attended several guitar festivals both in Canada and Germany over the last few years and had the privilege of attending masterclasses with some of the world's leading guitar players and teachers, including:
David Russell, Hubert Käppel, Aniello Desiderio, Fabio Zanon, Goran Krivokapic, and Eliot Fisk.
I currently spend my time teaching out of my studio in Kentville, Nova Scotia and performing for various events throughout the Annapolis Valley and across the Maritimes.
In addition to solo playing, I play in a trio with Bossa Nova Scotia, and part of Flamenco en Rouge.
I live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia with my wife.