John comes from Rochester, New York where he was surrounded by an abundant music scene from an early age. He began taking guitar lessons with Jerry Preston at Manuel’s Music Studio in Fairport where he was introduced to the music of Dream Theater. His passion for audio engineering sparked from his interest in guitars, amps, and collecting new/vintage effects pedals and processors.
     John later enrolled in the Sound Recording Technology program at the State University of New York at Fredonia where he studied under the direction of Bernd Gottinger, Dave Fridmann, Michael Rorick, Greg Snow, and John Caruso. There, he learned analog audio principles, digital recording systems, studio/control room design, stereo recording techniques, analog tape operation, psychoacoustics, electronics, and studio maintenance. He became comfortable working on analog consoles, and learned the ins and outs of the SSL 4000 G+. In addition to studying classical guitar with James Piorkowski, John was also trained in music theory, arrangement/composition, aural skills, and pop/rock production.
     While at Fredonia, John completed a wide variety of projects ranging from local bands and solo artists to small ensembles and full orchestras. John recorded concerts/masterclasses by Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Locke, Roland Dyens, and Eastern Blok. Aside from his gained experience in the studio, John also became well versed in live mixing, effects, and lighting. He has assisted in setting up full production rigs for artists such as Brand New, Jack’s Mannequin, and Lupe Fiasco.
     John started interning at Cove City during the summer of 2012 while still in school. He completed his B.S. degree in the fall and then came back to assist on Dream Theater’s self-titled album alongside James Meslin and Rich Chycki. He has since become a working engineer and a valuable full-time studio assistant.
     Some other artists he has worked with include Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, The Beach Boys, Bernie Williams), Julio Fernandez (Spyro Gyra), Don Harris (Nile Rodgers, Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Tower of Power, The Allman Brothers Band), Jonny Rosch (The Blues Brothers), Chris Botti (Paul Simon, Sting), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel, Meat Loaf, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector), Andrew Watt, Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Bob James, Randy Brecker, Grover Washington Jr.), Russell Javors (Billy Joel), Kevin James for Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix, Michael Pollack, Robbie Rosen (American Idol), Christopher Wallace Jr., Tedy Andreas, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, TAUK, Envy, Troy Ramey (The Voice), Sha Money XL, CHAPPO, Carter Reeves (Aer), Brand New, Chef’Special, Jesse Kinch (Rising Star), Jon Bellion, Beautiful Mind, Mike DelGuidice (Billy Joel), Jordan Bratton, Jimmy Webb (Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Art Garfunkel), Julia Udine (The Phantom of the Opera), Carrie St. Louis (Wicked, Kinky Boots), Zach Brock (Snarky Puppy), Alex Aiono, Tuamie, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Torrey DeVitto, Candice Night, JD McCrary, Christopher Sabat (Dragon Ball), Adam Schefter (ESPN), RZA (Wu-Tang Clan, Gravediggaz), Andy Mineo, Alec Benjamin, Quinn XCII, Elley Duhé, Al and Matt Jardine (The Beach Boys), Jeremy McKinnon (A Day To Remember), Mark Hudson (Cher, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Harry Nilsson), Lawrence, Jack Whitehall for Disney, Jon Batiste, Josh Dion (Paris Monster), Francis Farewell Starlite (Francis and the Lights), Masta Killa (Wu-Tang Clan), Chelsea Cutler, Ant Clemons, Amy Allen, Shawn Mendes, Tori Kelly, Johnny Drille, Niall Horan (One Direction), Jeremy Dean (Nine Days), Jeremy Stolle (The Phantom of the Opera), Jake Wesley Rogers, Huntertones, Louis Cato, Calum Scott, Why Don’t We, Tommy Brown, AJ Mitchell, Mahershala Ali for Sony Pictures Animation, Amelia Milo (The Phantom of the Opera), John Hampson (Nine Days), John Miceli (Meat Loaf), The Jonas Brothers, Renee Rapp, Alexander 23, Jimin (BTS), and Jimmy Fallon.
     John is a devoted fan of music. His open-minded, eclectic taste fuels his love for collecting CDs and records. As an engineer, John continues to push himself both technically and creatively in order to perfect his craft, yet he holds a firm appreciation for the value of a great song and live performance, as well as the emotional impact it can have on its audience.