A native of the Hudson Valley area of New York, Chris currently serves as Music Minister at St. Philip’s Church in the Highlands in Garrison, New York where he enjoys developing the music program and playing hymns for an enthusiastic, singing congregation. Before coming to St. Philip’s, Chris served as organist and choral conductor in several churches, including Trinity Episcopal Church in Ossining, New York, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter in Washington, DC, and First Presbyterian Church in Beacon, New York.

Chris studied classical Vocal Performance at New York University, and loves teaching voice lessons. He has been a featured soloist with Westchester Choral Society, Hudson Chorale, and Charis Chamber Voices.

While a piano tuner and technician by day, Chris is an avid lover of musical theater and has extensive experience as Music Director, Conductor, and Pianist for hundreds of Off-Broadway productions, at New York University, Marist College, Wagner College, and for several community theaters and high schools. He was a staffed accompanist and vocal coach at New York University where he worked with Stephen Schwartz, composer. He has accompanied auditions for the American Institute of Musical Studies, and for The Juilliard School.

Chris’ vocal studies were with Dr. Michael Douglas Jones, Matthew Chellis, Dianna Heldman, and Dr. Elaine Simpson. His advanced keyboard studies were with Dr. Ruthanne Schempf and Dr. Grant Wenaus.