Kind of off the beaten path, isn't it?

Well, when I was very young (four years old) I began to study the piano - needless to say, it wasn't my idea. I have very fond memories of my piano teacher, but as the lessons weren't my idea, I had no real interest in it - that's just how I am.

In fifth grade (ten years old), I decided to take drum set lessons - needless to say, it was my idea this time. Once I was in high school, I wanted to expand into all percussion - especially keyboard percussion. I began to study with James Latimer, Professor of Percussion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (now retired).

It was Prof. Latimer who first exposed me to the modern marimba. Once I started the marimba, I found it very difficult. As a result, I spent a lot of time trying to improve. All this time spent at the marimba eventually led to a deep love of the instrument. The sound of a good marimba in a good hall is something to behold! By the time I reached the summer after my senior year in high school, I had already decided that I would specialize in marimba. I studied all percussion at the Eastman School of Music, but I tried to concentrate most of my efforts on solo marimba repertoire.