How old were you when you started playing your instrument?

“I started singing and playing various instruments at young age, but none of them made a lasting impression on me until I tried the string bass. I was 11 when I walked into the orchestra class at my new Elementary School and saw the big basses aligned against the wall. I pointed to them and said to the orchestra teacher, “I want to play THAT!” I fell in love with the bass and never looked back.”

Besides the Bakersfield Symphony, what else do you do for a living?

“I'm a professional musician playing in many different Orchestras in and around Southern California. For several years, I performed throughout Europe and Scandinavia, as well as China and Armenia playing with different international Chamber Orchestras. Besides performing, I also currently teach a variety of subjects in Music at various Colleges and Universities in Southern California and work in Arts Management. I’ve also owned different businesses as an entrepreneur.”

What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring musician? 

“Music is wonderful, and it can open doors for you that you never imagined, including taking you around the World if you work hard. But, always remember the reasons why you fell in love with music in the first place. Protect that love and motivation and never confuse your love and curiosity of music with the business of music. Money and notoriety will come and go, but the love of music can stay with you until your last days…if you protect it. As the great violinist, Jascha Heifetz said, ‘You must preserve your enthusiasm for playing. Loss of that enthusiasm is deadly to musicianship.”

What do you enjoy most about playing with the BSO? 

“I have been playing with the Bakersfield Symphony for 25 years. I love the dedication to quality and strong sense of community within the Orchestra. It often contrasts the aloof and cold stereotype associated with places like Los Angeles.”

Fun Facts About John

“I love adventure and meeting fellow musicians from around the world.”

“I’m in love with sailing on the Pacific.”

“I love playing great music in Church and honoring God.”