I'm a singer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, bandleader, songwriter, composer/arranger, producer/engineer, and independent label operator based in Chicago.
I have been self-employed as a musician and teacher since 2006. I studied music and honed my craft for more than a decade before that in various bands, choirs, musicals, and audio production environments.
I sing and play piano/keyboards and guitar in a variety of styles. I lead five bands, each in a different genre: Bourbon Aristocracy (bluegrass), Character Fleadh (Irish/Scottish/Celtic), Chez Butter (soul), Le Travaillant (Cajun/zydeco), and Tautologic (rock). I also occasionally play solo/duo gigs and release music under my own name.
With Tautologic, I have released 3 albums and an EP, produced two live rock operas, and secured grant funding from the Illinois Arts Council. Our albums have received glowing critical notices and my original compositions have received airplay throughout the world on hundreds of radio programs.
Logical Fleadh - an album collaboration between Tautologic and Character Fleadh - featured my arrangements of both traditional and my own original Celtic compositions. The project was awarded grant funding from both the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The recordings received airplay on Celtic specialty shows in the US, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand.
In January 2024, Le Travaillant released a 4-track EP of my Cajun French original music with the band, recorded in both dance band and "backporch style" acoustic renditions.
In April 2024, I released "She," my first "solo" single (recorded with members of Tautologic), in honor of Earth Day.
I have composed original music for corporate videos and arrangements for my production clients' original songs. Turtle Down Music - a publishing company and record label I operate with Tautologic co-founder Pat Buzby - oversees and promotes my growing catalog of original compositions and recordings.
I have taught voice, piano, and guitar lessons for more than 20 years. My interdisciplinary and student-centered approach to teaching blends technique, theory, practical advice, and a wealth of other knowledge gathered from my diverse range of interests and study.
Explore the links below to learn more about my bands, composing, recording, and teaching practices. Thanks for your interest!