Todd, a Seattle native, has been studying with the best cello and electric bass teachers since he began playing music as a young child. His first instructor was renowned Las Vegas show biz cellist Hyman Gold, from whom he began to take lessons in 1978. He continued his studies in Tacoma by taking lessons from Cathy Johnson and then with Coredlia Wikarski-Meidel, wife of Seattle Symphony conductor Rainer Meidel. His early musical education included playing for five years in the Tacoma Youth Symphony, and participating in a master class led by world-class cello player Janos Starker. He started playing bass guitar in rock bands while attending the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory. In 1991 Todd received a Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory and then returned to Seattle to begin his career as a teacher and professional musician.
Since 1991 Todd has studied electric bass with Seattle area teachers Steve Kim, Paul Hinklin (Sadhappy), and Arne Livingston (The Living Daylights). He has performed, recorded, and toured with blues, jazz, funk, grunge, rockabilly, surf rock, industrial, punk, prog, singer-songwriter and casino cover bands. Highlights include playing bass for the musical “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” and opening for the Spin Doctors.
After Oberlin, Todd also continued his study of the cello with former Seattle Symphony member Mannfried Funk. He has performed numerous freelance recording, wedding and casual gigs.
Todd’s teaching success includes preparing many students to major in music at the college level. His students have attended Interlochen, Marrowstone and Burton music camps and have won battle of the band contests. He has taught students who have gone on to get paid gigs and record CD’s locally. He also leads the Greenwood Cello Ensemble and the Seattle Electric Bass Orchestra.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music, Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 1991.

Bass Teachers:

• Arne Livingston
• Paul Hinklin
• Steve Kim

Cello Teachers:

• Hyman Gold
• Mark Jasinski
• Cathy Johnson
• Cordelia Wikarski-Miedel
• Rebecca Evans
• Manfreid Funk

Songwriting Teachers:

• Hugh Prestwood
• Rick Beresford
• Jai Josefs
• John Breheny

Voice Teachers:

• Bert Gollhagen
• Andy Shaw

Compostion Teachers:

• Richard Hoffmann
• Randy Coleman
• Ed Miller

Electronic Music Teachers:

• Curtis Roads
• Gary Nelson
• Conrad Cummings

Recording Studio Internships:

• Harmonic Ranch
• Music Source

Seminars:

• Doing Music and Nothing Else seminar in Seattle in 1994,
• 2003 Taxi Road Rally in Los Angeles.
• Attended the NSAI song camp 101 2004
• Attended the NSAI song camp 201 2006

Professional Organizations:

• ASCAP member since 1997.
• Member of Nashville Songwriters Association
• Member of Taxi
• Music Teachers National Association