JJ began playing music as a young child, and over the decades has performed as a lead and rhythm guitarist, lead and backing vocalist, bassist, and even keyboardist with numerous bands across the country. Currently, he is the guitarist for The Implication and Twisted Roots. He has been teaching for more than 20 years, most recently at Guitar Center in Appleton. He also enjoys composing and recording his own originals!

His musical journey has taken him through styles ranging from classical to jazz, though he most often gravitates toward country-rock, classic rock, blues, funk, and metal. As a teacher, he takes a flexible approach—focusing less on rigid methods and more on helping students learn the music they enjoy and want to play.