Jonathan was inspired to start playing trumpet at age seven and continued studying under the direction and mentorship of Professor of trumpet Emeritus at St. Scholastica (MN) and the University of Wisconsin, Superior, Earl Salemink during his early formative years, Robert Baca at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire during his undergraduate experience, and finally with Dr. Allen Moore at St. Cloud State University during his graduate and post-graduate work. Jonathan used his trumpet as his primary teaching tool throughout his career as a high school band director. Jonathan’s concert, jazz, and sports bands received regional, state, and national recognition under his tutelage. Now as a college instructor, Jonathan works beyond his own classrooms in over thirty Minnesota high schools, adjudicating their contests and acting as a clinician in their festivals. Jonathan also works as an adjudicator/clinician nationally and abroad through Music Festivals and Tours Unlimited, all the while using his XO trumpet to teach and clinic for learners of all ages. Jonathan's music education success has been recognized in the 2022 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America and was selected to represent Minnesota in the National School Band & Orchestra Magazine’s annual 50 Directors from 50 States Who Make a Difference in 2019. Jonathan maintains an active performance schedule in three jazz groups and as a freelance classical, symphonic and liturgical soloist.