I first discovered piano in the 8th grade, where I quickly learned to play by ear. While in college, I was approached by music majors impressed with my talent following informal recitals in the Student Union, and was recommended to the head of the music department, who offered to sponsor me as a music major, given that he said I demonstrated "what 90% of the music majors lack - feeling".

While in the Navy, given the absence of a piano on my ship, I learned to play guitar and, later, flute, all by ear. When Kurzweil came out with a synthesizer which allowed me to play piano, guitar, flute, and any instrument I desired on a single keyboard, I knew I had found my instrument. I started on a Kurzweil 2000, and now own a Kurzweil 2500SX.

Kurzweil 2000 and 2500SX