About

My Story

Like many of you, I began playing the clarinet as a child. I don’t mean to 'blow my own horn' (pun intended), but for the first eight years. I excelled Just ask my Mom. Seriously, I held the first chair in the 6th-grade honor band when I was in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.

I received scholarships and attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen for two summers. I marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the McDonald's All American High School Band, got featured in my local newspaper, and received numerous scholarship offers for college.

Confident that nothing could derail my path with the clarinet, I also developed an interest in the saxophone and flute. This interest became significant in shaping my approach to clarinet education.

However, after my first two years of college, I felt like I was regressing. I was practicing up to eight hours a day—no exaggeration. Despite my efforts, I felt like I was moving backward. I even quit playing for six months, though it didn't last.

Even at just 20 years old, I realized it was time for a change if something didn't feel right after two years. With much hand wringing, I changed schools, cities, and teachers.

Looking back, this decision was the most formative event of my life. My new teacher, Gary Bovyer, had studied under the legendary woodwind teacher Joe Allard. This Allard approach to learning the clarinet had a monumental impact on me. The concepts had exercises with clear results that inspired specific actions. Simultaneously, I intensely studied the saxophone and flute for several years. Immersing myself in these instruments' traditions laid a strong foundation for my understanding of playing and teaching the clarinet.

After studying with Gary in Los Angeles, I moved to NYC to study with Ricardo Morales at the Manhattan School of Music. Studying under such a luminary inevitably led to further transformation.

My performing career flourished. I played the Copland Clarinet Concerto with the National Orchestra of the Philippines, held a chair with the Producers Orchestra on Broadway for the six year run of the show, and subbed in over twenty more Broadway shows. I have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and graced renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House.

Teaching remained a significant part of my life. I juggled numerous part-time teaching positions at prestigious schools in New York City, including the precollege division of the Manhattan School of Music.

Then the pandemic struck. Like many others, I learned much about myself, my values, and how I wanted to spend my time. I also became proficient in using computers. Many adults approached me for clarinet lessons during this time, leading me to refine my teaching methods and philosophies, particularly regarding how adults learn differently than children and how this impacts their introduction to and progress with the clarinet.

Before long, the Clarinet Ninja YouTube channel found its focus, aiming to serve a particular audience. This led to the creation of the Clarinet Ninja Dojo, designed to address adult learners' desires to achieve their clarinet goals efficiently and effectively. The Dojo emphasizes learning in a way that is both better and faster for adults while fostering a sense of community. With the internet's reach, the Dojo aims to connect clarinetists in new and exciting ways resulting in unprecedented success and fun with the clarinet.