Here are some various details about my life and my path to making musical instruments:

-I was born in Wisconsin, USA to a dairy farming family, and while I have lived many places throughout the US, I returned to Wisconsin 10 years ago. I love the landscape and the people here so very much.

-I began playing the horn in middle school and studied it all the way through college. I hold a Bachelors of Music degree in Instrumental Education from U.W. Stevens Point, and a Masters of Arts in Horn Performance from the University of Iowa.

-My main and only instrument making teacher is Keith Hill, who has likely made more instruments than any person alive today. He has thought about instrument making from the view of perception for decades, and has made numerous discoveries that shed light on the thoughts, attitudes, and techniques of the classic makers. I owe Keith so very much and will always be in his debt.

-Also during my college years, I studied with Marianne Ploger in musicianship and ear training. Marianne helped me gain skills and attitudes that helped develop fluency in the craft of music.

-I began studies with Keith Hill in instrument making, perception, and aesthetics 10 years ago, after I had already been doing woodworking for many years. Keith helped me to synthesize my skills in woodworking with my musicianship studies in order to make instruments that are founded in principles that create sounds that inspire performers to tap into their imagination while playing.

-I have recently been studying painting and decorating with Keith Hill and look forward to incorporating these skills into my future instruments.