Born: May 17, 1952
Resides in: Benicia
How long have you lived in Benicia? Nine years
Relationship Status/Children: Married/no children
When did you hear the violin for the first time? Age six or seven, recordings of Jascha Heifetz.
What did you listen to as a teenager? Mostly Classical. I also liked the Beatles.
What's the first music you remember hearing? Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” Still a favorite!
Who influenced your music? My mother introduced me to music so I’d say she was a big influence. My teachers, conductors I’ve played under; but mostly the people I play chamber music with.
Is there music you listen to that might surprise us? New Age, Cubanisimo.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician? When I first heard Heifetz play. My taste has changed radically since I was six, but that’s what started things.
Where did you go to school? The American Conservatory in Chicago. I’m not sure it exists any more. My education has been more on-the-job training (lots of it).
You were concertmaster for the Yanni World Tour. What does a concertmaster do? Usually a concertmaster bows the music (so everyone’s bow is going the same direction) and is sort of the manager of the string section.
How did you get your current job playing with the San Francisco Ballet? I was a regular substitute player for several years. There was an audition, I took it, and then I was appointed.
You also teach? What are the ages of your youngest student and your oldest student? Currently my youngest student is six. My oldest students are adult females. Being well trained, I don’t ask their age.
Congratulations. The Santa Margherita String Quartet recently debuted here in Benicia to a standing ovation and rave review. We were very happy about that. It’s great to have a receptive audience and we hope to do a series of concerts for them.
Can you tell us about your work with the Berkeley Youth Orchestra? I coach every Saturday morning. It’s very satisfying to help the kids develop their skills and love of music.
Where can we see you perform? The Santa Margherita String Quartet will perform March 18 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia. Also, we will be at the Bay Terrace Theatre in Vallejo April 22. Both concerts are at 2 pm.
