I hold a Master's Degree in Clarinet Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (1978) and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (1975). My instrumental studies have included clarinet, oboe, saxophone, flute, and bassoon. I have been privileged to study under many renowned teachers, including Robert Marcellus, former principal of the Cleveland Orchestra; Clark Brody, former principal of the Chicago Symphony; and Alan Balter, former principal of the Atlanta Symphony. Locally, I studied with Earl Paluzzi, R. E. Orner, and William Scarlett.
In 1982 I served as principal clarinetist of the Knoxville Symphony during the World's Fair. At the same time, I was privileged to play clarinet with the Boston Ballet Orchestra and Rudolf Nureyev's National Tour. I served as principal clarinetist for the Symphony of the Mountains, formerly the Kingsport Symphony, and the Johnson City Symphony.
I have served as woodwind instructor at the following colleges: East Tennessee State University, Milligan College, King University, Emory and Henry College, and Kingsport Continuing Education at the Kingsport University Center. 2020 marks my 51st year of private teaching.