I picked up the guitar at age ten, inspired by my dad's love of music. Throughout my high school years in Kansas I studied with Kevin May of Roomful of Blues. Like many aspiring teenage guitarists I grew as a player in high school jazz bands, state bands, and bands of my own.
I continued my studies in Jazz Guitar at Wichita State University, a program well-known for the work of Jerry Hahn. From there, I studied Commercial Music at South Plains College in Levelland, TX, of which alumni include Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, Leann Womack, Ron Block of Allison Krauss & Union Station, Matt Jenkins, Jerrod Nieman, and Jed Hughes, a guitarist for Keith Urban.
While attending SPC, I taught for David Brandon, a well-known classical guitarist who co-published reputable materials with Christopher Parkening.
While still a student, I was asked to come on staff to teach private guitar and lead Rock and R&B Ensembles at the college. I stayed on staff at South Plains College from 2000 to 2005 before moving to Los Angeles, and eventually Nashville.
I have played with many independent artists both in the studio and live and am currently a session player for Diff’rent Wirld Productions, and have played as lead guitarist for BlissBliss and hit songwriters and up-and-coming country band, The Henningsens. I also perform originals as a duo with my wife, singer-songwriter, Joni Nichols.
We live in Middle Tennessee with our two young children and hope to have more.
Though blues is my love, I enjoy playing and teaching all styles.