John began his formal study of instrumental music in 1970 and has played woodwinds and piano/keyboards for rock, jazz, and classical ensembles, including Park Avenue, Take 5, The Dana Legg Big Band, and the Fox Valley Concert Band.  He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in music education and has been a high school band director for the past 25 years.  In this capacity he is active as a composer, clinician, and adjudicator.