He began his career as a professional musician as a teenager, playing clubs and nightlife venues in Anchorage AK.
He obtained his degree in music from the University of the Pacific.
He served in the Band Corp.of the US Army during peacetime between Korea and Vietnam.
He recorded with Gil Evans, The Insect Trust, Cornell Dupree, Lou Reed, Octopus.
Allan Houser wrote a jazz piece called "Running Wild With Trevor Koehler" that he recorded with his sextet.