A BRIEF HISTORY

When I was 12, Santa Claus gave me my first guitar ... from that day on, I was hooked. I played in neighbourhood Rock and Blues bands as a teenager before deciding to pursue Classical guitar studies at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. This led to my enrolment in the music program at the University of British Columbia where I developed a strong interest in composition and Jazz improvisation. Further studies at the University of Toronto and Royal Conservatory completed my post-secondary education. From there I went to Spain to immerse myself in the world of Flamenco.

By the time I arrived in Southern Spain, I was already acutely aware of the inspirational value of playing a fine instrument. To learn more about how high-quality guitars were individually handcrafted, I visited the workshops of several well-known luthiers — an experience that would later inspire me to make my own instruments.

After returning to Canada I began designing and building electro-acoustic, archtop, solid body and Spanish-style guitars while I diversified my musical repertoire. An academic background in high-tech, acquired while studying music at university, has also allowed me to develop my interest in digital audio and video engineering, studio recording techniques, interactive online instruction, and guitar pickup design. Which brings us to today ... and my very rewarding work as a guitar teacher, educator, mentor and motivational coach.