I spent my childhood in California, Wyoming, Utah, and Argentina. My father moved my family around for better jobs. We finally settled in Utah when I was ten, and spent my adolescence there. In high school I was heavily involved in music, and participated in drumline, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, etc. After high school, I spent two years in Guatemala, serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After my mission I attended Brigham Young University- Hawaii, where I graduated with a degree in music and participated in many groups. While there, I met my wife during a music class. I then attended the University of Missouri, where I got a masters in percussion performance, then the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I'm about to finish my doctoral degree in percussion performance. I'm currently in Taiwan with my In-laws, finishing my doctoral thesis and teaching English.

Music has allowed me to travel the world. I hope to be able to keep traveling with it and use it to touch other people's lives. The people I've met and experiences I've had while traveling have been phenomenal. I do not drink, smoke, do drugs, etc. However, I do not judge my friends if they want to do those things. I have been to bars and similar places with my friends, I just order a soda instead of alcohol. I prefer to do simple activities with my wife, such as dinner and a movie. When going someplace new, I like to visit the local sites and get to know local treasures. One of the things that I look for when I visit a new place is whether it is a good location to raise my family.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel quite a bit, and am always looking for alternatives to hotels. One day I thought of creating a website that would network individuals who are comfortable in lending their extra beds or couches to travelers. I researched it, and lo and behold, I found Couchsurfing. Formatted exactly how I would have done it, I am very pleased and look forward to using it.

Interests

Music, music, music. I play percussion and will play any style ranging from classical to rock. I am especially interested in Latin and Caribbean styles.
I am also interested in traveling, exploring the outdoors, eating new foods, and serving others. I have found that the greatest satisfaction comes from trying new things and helping others.

• culture
• performing arts
• concerts
• cooking
• traveling
• music
• jazz
• outdoor activities

Music, Movies, and Books

I don't have just one favorite music. Rather than try to pinpoint some artists or songs, I'll share this quote: "There are only two kinds of music: good music and bad music, and sometimes I can't tell the difference."
My all time favorite movie is "A Christmas Story." It reminds me of my childhood and my interactions with my siblings.
My favorite book is "The Book of Mormon." I am quite religious, and have found that it provides inspiration when I need it most.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I lived in Guatemala for two years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to adopting the culture and customs, I served others and grew as a man. The experiences I had will forever stay with me and influence who I am.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have had many enriching life experiences. Although they all differ, one thing that I have learned is that the greatest happiness comes from helping others. I also know that the most valuable things come from hard work and sacrifice. I hope to be an example of that to whoever I come across.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I don't have much I can give, but I am willing to cook a meal, take my hosts out to dinner, or even play music for them. In addition, I have many, many stories. I have learned a lot in my experiences, and am eager to share them with others. I hope that I can make my visits as enriching to the hosts as they are to me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Guatemala, Taiwan, United States