About BRIAN

BRIAN was introduced to music as a young child in Brampton, Ontario. He was encouraged to learn to play the organ and, in time, discovered the alto saxophone. With considerable encouragement from his parents, brother and teachers, BRIAN became proficient in playing the saxophone and was given the opportunity to join the arts program at Mayfield Secondary School. BRIAN developed an interest in singing during this time. Like many woodwind players, BRIAN inevitably concluded that singing and playing saxophone at the same time did not have an appealing sound.

In 1992 while BRIAN was directing the music program at Canadian Adventure Camp, a children’s summer camp in Temagami, Ontario, BRIAN began learning guitar. During the same year BRIAN, like many young musicians, was faced with the issue of pursuing music at York University or choosing a different post-secondary path. After much deliberation BRIAN pursued a degree in Management Economics at the University of Guelph which he completed in 1996. While attending university, BRIAN continued playing saxophone in several bands. In 1996, BRIAN returned to Canadian Adventure Camp to work with children and teach music. Following that summer, BRIAN completed several courses at Wilfrid Laurier University and later became an accountant. Music remained a very important part of his life during these years playing in several bands including a firm house band.

In 2003, BRIAN’s first son Joshua was born. BRIAN and his wife Susan quickly discovered that the saxophone was “too loud for little ears” and started focusing on the gentler sounding guitar. Over time Pink Floyd gave way to Sharon, Lois and Bram. The Beatles gave way to Raffi. BTO gave way to the Wiggles. CCR gave way to Fred Penner. In 2005, BRIAN’s second son Timothy was born, who, like Joshua, immediately responded to “music time” which quickly became a household tradition. His poor wife – three musical boys under one roof! The living room became the music room filled with instruments for her three boys.

Like most great opportunities, the idea of playing music for groups of children occurred by accident. One Saturday morning, while heading outside to play at the park, Timothy asked for music time. Wanting to get the children outside for fresh air, BRIAN grabbed his guitar and song book and headed to the park with Joshua and Timothy. After enjoying some play time at the park, BRIAN pulled out the guitar and started playing Timothy’s favourite, The Wheels on the Bus. Within minutes a crowd of approximately 20 children formed around BRIAN and everyone was singing and laughing including many parents. It was an impromptu concert that would change the direction of BRIAN’s musical interest for good. After playing at several parks throughout Guelph, BRIAN’s first formal performance opportunity was granted by the Guelph Public Library.

BRIAN is an avid volunteer. Not only does BRIAN volunteer in the capacity of treasurer on charitable boards, BRIAN likes to roll up his sleeves and get involved on the ground floor of charitable events across the community. 38% of the shows provided by BRIAN in 2008 were fully donated. BRIAN also donates proceeds from his CD sales to several of the charities that BRIAN performs for.

BRIAN and his wife Susan, a child developmental psychologist, live in Guelph with Joshua and Timothy. They have a love for children and music. If you want to participate in the fun, please join them at BRIAN’s next show!