Flamenco had entered my life in a few random, but distinct ways before I began studying it. have a distinct memory of going on a school field trip as a kid, and seeing flamenco dancing. As a teenage guitarist, I discovered Paco de Lucia (I recognized his name through his work with guitarist John McLaughlin), and picked up his album Luzia, and I remember being both amazed and mystified. My next experience wasn’t until my senior year at the conservatory. It seemed like a good idea to pick up some flamenco techniques, as one of my projects that year was Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. I reached out to Kansas City guitarist Beau Bledsoe, and after  15 or 20 lessons, he convinced me to pick up and head to Sevilla after I graduated. Beau put me in contact with guitarist Antonio Andrade. I studied with him in La Puebla de Cazalla, and had my first real flamenco experiences. A juerga that lasted until the bars closed and we were sent home, and all night Reunion de Cante Jondo festival. Shortly thereafter, I went to Madrid to take a few lessons with Maestro Enrique Vargas, and I consider this a major turning point in my career. Maestro Vargas is a world renowned instructor, and I am fortunate enough to also call him my mentor. The right hand technique that I use to play was shaped by Enrique Vargas. in 2014, I was awarded a grant from Allied Arts Inc to return to Madrid to continue my studies with Maestro Vargas. I was given the opportunity to help with his 3 book series on Flamenco Improvisation (published by Sher music).