I was born in Dargaville, New Zealand where I began playing the accordion at the age of nine. While studying under Harley Jones of Auckland, New Zealand, I was the New Zealand National Champion for two years. After graduating from high school, I had the incredible opportunity to move to the United States to study accordion with Joan C. Sommers at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where I obtained my Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance. During my studies, I represented New Zealand three times at the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships, the last time managing to attain fifth place.

In addition to the piano accordion, I also play the Bayan (C System Chromatic Accordion.) I felt it was important to understand and appreciate both instruments, which are found in equal numbers depending on which area of the world you are in. It was using the Bayan that I furthered my studies at the Conservatoire XII de Paris studying with former World Accordion Champion, Max Bonnay.

During my career, I have performed on radio, television and in concert in many countries as a soloist, as a member of The International Trio, the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra (formerly the North Shore Accordion Orchestra) and as concert master of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Accordion Teachers' Guild International (where I served two terms as President) and also as a Board member for the American Accordionists Association. Additionally, after two terms as Vice President, I am currently serving as the President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes.

I have made New York City my home since 1989 where I enjoy devoting my time to various accordion activities. I commute to Kansas City from New York to participate in such groups as the UMKC Accordion Orchestra, and, of course The International Trio.

I currently work for Accordions Worldwide where I manage the North American office, and also publish the www.accordionusa.com United States National Accordion News.