[2] John showed interest in piano at an early age, i.e. three or four, and regularly watched and enjoyed a pianist on television in Columbus.
Later he enjoyed watching Peter Nero, Victor Borge, and Liberace He studied piano with Mrs. McCullagh for about five years, 1958 – 1963.
Later he studied under Mr. Les Susi at Whetstone High School where he played in Whetstone High School orchestra and Jazz Band, and performed as a clarinetist in the marching band 1964 – 1969 During summers he worked as a rehearsal pianist for Kenley Players of Warren, Ohio when they performed in Columbus.
He graduated from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio where he studied music focusing on jazz.
In 1977, Sheridan received a Master of Music degree from the North Texas State University, and two years later joined the Jim Cullum Jazz Band as an arranger and performer.