About

I am a bassist, composer, and educator with roots in jazz, traditional Japanese music, and Armenian folk music. I received my degree in jazz studies from CSUN, and am studying the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) with Kaoru Kakizakai. Being active as both a bandleader and sideman, I perform in the greater Los Angeles area with various artists in jazz, folk, classical, and pop traditions. When I am not performing, my focus is towards my career as an educator. I teach at Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana, lead clinics and workshops at high schools and colleges, and have a private studio of bassists that I work with regularly.

Music

The current repertoire of music I am writing, developing, and performing comes from a personal desire to join my jazz roots with my love and active study of traditional Japanese folk music, also known as Min'yō (民謡). I have been finding great joy in discovering how the improvisational, creative, and individualistic nature of jazz compliments the deep, aesthetic, and sonic characteristics of Japanese music.

Upcoming groupmuses

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  Backyard

  Jazz quartet: Interpretations of Japanese Folk Music (Min'yō/民謡)

  Friday, Aug 29 7:30 PM PDT

  • Neighborhood: Venice (east of Lincoln)
  • Instruments: Saxophone, keyboard, acoustic bass, drum
  • Price: $5 to reserve, $20+ at event

  Spots available

Programs

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