Al started playing bass guitar at the age of 13 and formed a band with a few high school friends a year later. Bass quickly became his first love of instruments and his passion for playing live was quickly set in place.

Over the years, Al has played in many bands, including a road band in 1984 called TKO, covering many different genres of music including Country, Rock, Top 40, Blues, R&B, Funk, and Jazz. He has also performed in local theater and production shows and has answered the call for local recording and fill-in session work from time to time.

One highlight for Al was the opportunity to perform with Impersonator/Comedian Rich Little. “That gig was a very cool experience because I could remember watching him on TV before I was even playing music.”

He is grateful to have met and made many friends in the music business, including his mentors Victor Wooten, Chuck Rainey, Joseph Wooten, JD Blair, Eric Struthers, Adam Nitti, and Gerald Veasley:

“Getting to jam with these musicians was so thrilling, and I learned so much from them – not just about music, but about life. I try to learn from everyone I have the opportunity to play alongside, including my students. I believe that we should never stop learning.”

Al has completed 9 of Ari’s Masterclasses Series and the Cohort.

Al has been teaching bass and guitar at the United Conservatory of Music since 2003 and loves helping people discover their passion for learning to play music.