He started playing the guitar at age thirteen and after high school attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

He also taught guitar lessons and worked a number of odd jobs including ticket sales for the New York Philharmonic.

He attended the yeshiva Aish HaTorah and received his rabbinical ordination from its founder Rabbi Noah Weinberg.

He composed a series of pieces for operatic soprano, alto saxophone, and rock trio, which received moderate airplay on Boston radio.

He performed in ensembles and master groups led by such jazz notables as George Russell and Cecil Taylor.