I just think that I associated music with something that was healing and transformative as a kid.

I just think that I associated music with something that was healing and transformative as a kid.

I had a really nice association with Richie DeRosa, a great musician, a great drummer and composer and arranger. And I had a number of classes with him.

I was in choir [at school].

Another classical music teacher from Performing Arts that I've stayed in contact with is Jonathan Strasser.

I think [Phil Wood] didn't suffer fools gladly, but he loved supporting young people that loved the music.

The Monk competition did open some doors. And I was thankful for that.