I have been a student and player of classical guitar for over forty years. In the 1980s and ’90s I studied with Seattle teachers Steven Novacek and Patricio Contreras. In spite of my amateur status I have always hungered for musical knowledge, experience and expertise. I have tried to educate myself in music history and appreciation starting with the Renaissance lutists to Bach and the classical era down to 20th/21st century music. Through the guitar I developed a proficient harmonic sense by studying chords in all their manifestations. The guitar has also been my guide to melody, its logic as well as its experimental possibilities. I have also played electric guitar in many bands, which helped me develop an ear for improvisation.