Music has been an integral part of my life

I am a retired board-certified orthopedic surgeon who ran a successful clinical practice for over thirty years. However, music has always been my passion and my first love; it has spoken to me from a very young age. My journey began at 6, exploring the world of the piano, and soon thereafter I began my studies of clarinet and violin. Each instrument opened up new horizons of expression, each melody became a song of my heart.

My formal training continued at Williams College (its inspirational gates pictured in the photograph above inscribed with the words by which we all might live), where I honed my skills in performance, composition, and music theory, later sharing that passion as an instructor in each one of these disciplines. Over the past four decades, I've guided the musical aspirations of countless children and adults, witnessing the transformative power of music and how it enriches our lives.

Performance has always been a cornerstone of my artistic journey. From a solo recital at prestigious venues like Steinway Hall to fundraising concerts for student scholarships, each performance has been a unique and cherished experience. Whether playing the rapturous melodies of Chopin or the passionate outpourings of Schumann, I strive to connect with my audience on a deeply emotional level.

Here are some highlights of my musical career:

  • National Public Radio (NPR), Sag Harbor, NY (2012): Performed Chopin’s Ballade in G Minor, Op 23, at a fundraising event for NPR

  • Solo piano recital at Steinway Hall, 2008: Performed works by Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, and Debussy.

  • Raised $7,000 for music education scholarships at Smithtown, NY: Through a solo piano recital, I fueled the dreams of future generations of musicians.

  • Berkshire Symphony Orchestra violinist (1975-80): Contributed to the vibrant orchestral community.

  • Bachelor's degree with honors, Williams College (1980): Solo piano recital featuring Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, and Debussy.

  • Competitions:

    • Piano Finalist in the New Jersey Music Educator’s Piano Competition - Trenton, NJ (!973)

    • Won the North Jersey Philharmonic Concerto Competition (1970), performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A

    • Won 1st Clarinet, ninth chair, New Jersey All State High School Symphonic Banf

    • Won 1st Clarinet, second chair, North Jersey Regional High School Symphonic Band

My journey continues, fueled by an unwavering love for music and a desire to share its powerful magic with others.

Let's embark on a musical adventure together, so I can teach what I have learned from the Hopkins Gate:

”Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim the star.”