I picked up the bagpipes during my junior year at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, studying under Ron “Ringo” Bowen of The Bagpipe Place. What started as curiosity quickly became something bigger — especially after getting to perform with The Chieftains at the Pabst Theatre during their San Patricio tour. That moment lit the fuse.

Through the Midwest School of Piping and Drumming, I trained with some of the best — Doug MacRae, Alex Gandy, Ken Eller, Bruce Gandy, and Jake Watson — all of whom shaped how I think about tone, timing, and discipline.

After graduating in 2010, I came home to Chicago and joined the City of Chicago Pipe Band, where I got my first taste of competition. We started in Grade 5, moved to Grade 4, and before long, I got the invite to step into a Grade 1 band — the kind of challenge I live for.

When that band eventually folded, I returned to what became The Chicago Scots Pipe Band, switching to snare drumfor a season before returning to the pipes. These days, I’m part of the band’s musical arrangement team and handle much of the tuning — a role that keeps my ear sharp and my standards high.

I started competing as a soloist in 2013, jumping straight into Grade 2 thanks to the ground I’d already covered. That first season brought several first-place finishes, including my debut in piobaireachd (“the great music”). By 2014, I was promoted to Grade 1 and have stayed consistently in the prize lists ever since.

That same year, I had one of my proudest experiences — traveling to Northern Ireland to play with the Bleary & District Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships, where we placed 2nd overall. I’ll never forget standing on that field hearing our name called.

After the Worlds, the band was promoted to Grade 1, the highest level of competition in the pipe band world. I moved to Belfast for six months to play the full season, performing in all five major championships across the UK. Living and playing in Northern Ireland was an unforgettable experience — being surrounded by that level of musicianship and tradition every day changed the way I think about sound, leadership, and what it truly means to play in a world-class band.

I’ve been fortunate to study under incredible mentors throughout my piping journey. Early on, I worked closely with Michael Kotch, who helped refine my technique and musical foundation. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of taking lessons with Stuart Liddell, one of the most accomplished pipers of our time — a multiple Glenfiddich Champion (the highest honor in solo piping) and multiple World Pipe Band Champion as Pipe Major of Inveraray & District Pipe Band. His experience and musicianship have been a huge influence on my playing and teaching approach.

Since 2011, I’ve also been teaching through the Chicago Academy of Piping and Drumming (CAPD) — an amazing program for students of all ages and levels. Through CAPD and private instruction, I’ve helped everyone from first-time chanter players to advanced pipers looking to fine-tune their sound.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky to play and compete at levels many spend decades reaching. But more than anything, I’m grateful for what the pipes have brought me — music, community, and the chance to pass it all on.

If you’re looking for a piper for your next event, or ready to take that first step into learning, I’d be honored to be part of your journey.