Where were you born and (if different) where did you grow up? Syracuse, NY

Saratoga Springs, NY; married to Amanda; daughter Annabelle, son Elliott, two cats

Education: BM from Eastman School of Music; MM from Kent State University

When did you start playing with the VSO? 2011

Other current jobs besides VSO: member of Hyperion String Quartet; adjunct faculty at Skidmore College and College of Saint Rose; member of Lake Placid Sinfonietta and Glens Falls Symphony

Favorite composer: Bach

Hobbies: cooking, movies, listening to my record collection

How did you get started in music? Both my parents taught music in the school I went to, so music was a part of my life as far back as I remember.  I also had a great experience attending the School of Orchestral Studies program in Saratoga Springs in high school that helped me to realize that music was truly what I wanted as a career.

Dream job if not musician: chef

Favorite vice: good BBQ

Best advice I ever got: A teacher once asked me in a lesson if I was ready to stop sounding like an amateur and start sounding like a professional.

Favorite way to spend an evening: at home grilling with my family