My musical endeavors began at the age of six when my mother introduced me to the piano and taught me simple right hand melodies. Influenced by my father, by age eight I picked up the violin in elementary school for a year or so. The following year, my interest strongly shifted toward guitar. With the immense influence of Edward Van Halen and Randy Rhoads, it seemed inevitable for me to learn the instrument. My first experience with guitar was an old Mako (strat style) that I had borrowed from a friend who quickly became frustrated with the instrument. Actually, my first guitar was a Kiss guitar that my mother got me when I was five. I spent countless hours attempting to learn chords, songs and develop some kind of technique but eventually realized I should take some lessons.

I began taking lessons at age 12 and studied with many excellent guitar instructors at a store formerly known as Focus II in Commack, NY for approximately five years. I studied for a short period with guitarist John Petrucci of Dream Theater during the Focus II days. I continued studying music theory and developing guitar techniques on my own after age 17.

My first live experience occurred in a high school talent show. Over the years, I have played several Long Island bars filling in for guitarists and working cover bands including Doug Gordon's former band Bandit. I have also been involved in several side projects including long-term friend and guitarist Mark Mataban of Mr. Scary.