Flip (he/him) started his musical journey in 4th grade, taking up the saxophone. During his attendance at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, he branched out, playing a variety of instruments in the jazz band, concert band, marching band and choir. Outside of school, Flip joined several bands playing guitar, drums, keyboard and voice.

 

After graduating high school and earning the Eagle Scout Award of the Boy Scouts of America, Flip pursued a B.A. of Music with Teacher Certification at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Flip was an understudy of Mr. David Sublette and Dr. Patrick Jones, both of which were understudies of Eugene Rousseau. On top of being one of the most revered American saxophonists and educators, Eugene Rousseau was a pupil of 'Le Patron', Marcel Müle.

 

After graduating university, Flip was brought on board as the Strings Director of Gateway School District. As the 4th-12th grade orchestra director, Flip became an understudy of Eugene Reichenfeld, supplementing his knowledge for strings teaching methods. 

 

In 2007, Flip moved to Portland, Oregon seeking to continue his teaching and performing career. Since 2007, Flip has been an educator with Ethos Music Center. In 2010, Flip established Flip's School of Music in the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland. FSM was relocated to Cesar E. Chavez Blvd and SE Powell in the summer of 2013. In the fall of 2022, Flip joined musical forces with the Portland Music Collective.