A native of Texas, he began formal studies of music at an early age focusing on jazz and rock guitar as well as harmony, counterpoint, and improvisation. He completed his D.M.A. at Stanford University where he studied composition with Brian Ferneyhough (primarily), Mark Applebaum, Chris Chafe and Josh Levine. Previous degrees earned include a Master of Music in composition from the University of Oregon, a Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance from San Francisco State University, and an Artist's Diploma from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas.