John studied Music Composition at the University of South Carolina and at Boston University.  He has been teaching Choir and AP Theory at Spartanburg High School since 1995, and in 1998 he became the director of the "Chancel Choir" at Second Presbyterian Church, located in Spartanburg.  Throughout he has maintained an active schedule of composing and playing jazz.  His music has been published by "Alliance Music Publications" and, most recently his piece, "The Open Road" was recorded by the US Air Force Academy Band.