I started studying with Herb Wigley in 1964. Herb was one of the top piano and organ instructors in the Twin Cities at the time. Shortly after, he asked me to join him in teaching.
Together we were the first teachers in the area to formalize the study of jazz improvisation. This also included teaching jazz improvisation for the University of Minnesota, Mac Phail Center.
The studio was located in downtown Minneapolis on 10th and Nicollet until 1986 when we moved it to Richfield. We continued teaching together until his health began failing and I took over the studio. When Herb died in 1993, I began teaching at the Burnsville location.
In 2024, I moved it to Owatonna, where I plan to continue the tradition that Herb Wigley and I started – using a more formalized approach to the study of jazz improvisation.
Student Successes
My former students have gone on to be teachers, business owners, performers, recording artists and even a fighter pilot in the USAF. Two students went on to play for Prince. Since their time in Prince’s band, both have continued to thrive in the music industry. Another student went on to play for Olivia Newton John. In 1986 and 1987, a long time student was the National Finalist for the Yahama Electone Festival. In 1987, he won the National Title and went on to Tokyo to win the bronze medal in the International Festival. He has since become a free lance movie and TV score writer with several successful projects to his credit. He continues to also work with the Yamaha Corporation in developing different programs for the keyboards and in the educational packages.