Percussion has been a part of Chad's life starting with learning to play drums when he was seven years old. Throughout elementary, junior high, and high school, he was very active in school bands, orchestras, and ensembles. While in high school, he played professionally with two top 40 bands. He then went on to study music at the University of Northern Colorado and the Metropolitan State College of Denver. While still attending Metro, Chad played congas and drum set with the acoustic jazz trio Perpetual Motion, and recorded two CDs with the band.

In 1992, Chad left college to teach privately and to play professionally. Since then, he has been busy performing with numerous bands, playing as the pit percussionist in musical theater productions, teaching privately, and coaching the drum line and percussion ensemble at Hinkley High School.

At Swallow Hill, Chad's main teaching focus is on the drum set. However, he also teaches various percussion instruments and theory. He teaches musical styles ranging from classical to jazz to rock.

As a teacher, Chad tries to pass his enjoyment of music along to his students, inspiring them to share their musical gifts with the world.