Biography

My passion for the guitar and genuine interest in music education has been a life-long pursuit of over 40 years. I continue to study a wide variety of materials to further my knowledge of the many styles of music and guitar technique, the art of musical expression and my understanding of the teaching process itself. I am well versed in most styles of guitar playing.

My formal training is extensive having studied with many of the top Toronto area teachers including:

• George Botly – Berklee College of Music alumnus
• Peter Harris – Past chair of Humber College’s Jazz Guitar Department
• Art DeVilliers – studio musician and previously house guitar player at O’Keefe Centre
• Howie Spring – Toronto New School of Music, York University faculty member
• Neville Barnes – long-time Toronto jazz player
• Hank Monis – well known Toronto studio musician and teacher
• Tony Bradan – legendary Toronto studio musician, arranger and teacher
• John Perrone – recording artist and classical guitar specialist
• Brian Katz – musician, composer, arranger, University of Toronto faculty and student of Ralph Towner
• Ivan Maracle – classic guitar teacher and previous student of Aaron Shearer

As a professional musician for over 30 years now I have performed at public and private venues including:

• Massey Hall
• Roy Thompson Hall
• Casa Loma
• Ontario Place
• Royal York Hotel
• Toronto Dominion Centre
• Scarborough Civic Centre
• Hamilton Place
• Queensway Cathedral - Revival Hour TV show
• New Faces - live TV show
• R.S.McLaughlin’s Parkwood Estate
• The Briars Golf Club
• Oshawa Little Theatre
• Ocala Orchards Winery
• McMichael Canadian Collection Gallery
• Christine Marshall Gallery
• The Estates of Sunnybrook
• 100 Huntley Street – live TV show
• Cullen Gardens
• National Golf Club of Canada

As a performer I have provided live music at many types of events including:

• Wedding ceremonies
• Receptions
• Private parties
• Live music on parade floats
• Funerals
• Art gallery showings
• Fashion shows
• Strolling tables in restaurants - dinner music
• Product launches
• Live television broadcasts
• Conventions
• Musical theatre productions
• Church worship services