Meet The Luthier

I’ve been playing, repairing, and otherwise tinkering with guitars since I was about 8 years old. I grew up right here in Portland with a vibrant, musical family, then went on to study music performance at Portland State and Northwestern University before moving back home.
I have worked both independently and in guitar shops, and have been exposed to a wide variety of repair and restoration situations. What keeps me coming back is a love for music, these instruments, and a love of growth. I firmly believe that we are never done learning, and am constantly refining my approach and methodology with regards to appropriate repair techniques.
I maintain an active performance schedule, and know firsthand what it means to have an instrument be truly gig ready. While it’s possible to create amazing music with a less than ideal instrument, we owe it to ourselves and our listeners to set our instruments up for success. Whether that means a simple restring, or finally refretting your beloved guitar from high school, I’d love to help. Reach out today and let’s figure out how to get your guitar/bass/mandolin/banjo/you name it sounding its best.
Instruction
I can also help you learn!
Once you’ve got an instrument that functions correctly and performs well, it’s time to figure out how to play the darned thing. With over 20 years’ playing experience and 15 years teaching experience, I have helped numerous musicians find their voice and explore the guitar in just about every way. I grew up playing rock, bluegrass, country, blues, and a host of other genres, and love virtually all forms of guitar playing, so let me know what you want to learn and I can help get you there. I also have experience as a music theory teacher, so if you’d like to get a firmer grasp on harmony, sight reading, and more, we can go there too. Whether you’re just starting out or are a veteran that wants some new ideas and perspective, I’d be happy to help you on your journey.
I also offer instruction on guitar repair – If you’d like to learn to set up your own instruments, learn to swap your pickups, or more, let me know and we can discuss lesson options.