A native of St. Louis, Ted studied classical piano with University of Houston professor Albert Hirsh while still attending Clear Lake High School. He returned to Houston after graduating with a degree in music from Austin College, forming the fusion band Stratus with bassist Dave Nichols in 1982. Stratus would become a staple of the Houston jazz scene, recording 4 CDs and performing extensively at festivals and venues across Texas for 20 years. Ted has more recently done extensive work with saxophonist/vocalist David Caceres, performing at numberous galas and functions for organizations including the Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand Opera, the American Heart Association and many others. He continues his creative pursuits with his own trio and with the hard bop quintet Monstrosity, fronted by drummer Joel Fulgham. Ted is also in demand as a sideman, performing and recording frequently in many commercial and creative settings. Comfortable in settings from solo piano to small or large groups, Ted performs classic and contemporary standards with the verve and sophistication that have made him one of the most sought after pianists in town.