"The day I discovered that practice works was the
day I realized I could become the musician I wanted to be.
That began my quest to find the sounds and rhythms that resonated with me
and uncover their secrets.
My quest led me to Berklee College of Music, and the city of Boston,
where I discovered the multitudes of possibilities in music,
and the ways and means of becoming professional within my field.
My final instructor after graduating from Berklee was
Charlie Banacos,
who gave me his incredible, comprehensive overview of Jazz and American Music.
His way of teaching was inspirational, and I have done my best to use his
ideas and methods to help my students the way he helped me and thousands of
other musicians who wanted to master their craft.
In his final letter to me before his death in 2009,
he concluded with a statement that I have taken to heart in my
teaching, composing, and choices of performance styles and purpose.
In response to some temporary difficulties with the business side of music
I was having,
he gave me this gift, which I will pass on to you:"
