Ozzie’s journey into music began in public school, where he was encouraged to take up the upright bass. What started as a simple suggestion quickly turned into a lifelong passion. He felt a deep connection with the instrument from the beginning and followed that path all the way through college, studying under world-class musicians and eventually earning a master’s degree.
His education took him to the New England Conservatory, where he worked with several members of the Boston Symphony and studied under Bob Moses, a legendary jazz drummer who played with Jaco Pastorius. He later returned to his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas to complete his graduate studies. Along the way, Ozzie performed with orchestras across the country, including the Virginia Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic, and the Arkansas and Wichita Symphonies.
Though performance was once the main focus, Ozzie says teaching has always been there too. He began giving lessons as a senior in high school and has been teaching ever since. “Playing and teaching are just two sides of the same coin,” he explains. “You learn so much from both.”
Ozzie teaches all the strings, as well as piano, voice, and guitar. He also plays bluegrass and listens to everything from Shostakovich to classic nineties hip-hop. His approach to teaching is simple and effective: find what excites the student, build on their strengths, and guide them toward growth by leading through example. “You have to notice what they are naturally good at and then help them work on their weaknesses without making it feel like a struggle.”
Keeping students engaged has never been a challenge for Ozzie. He brings a high-energy, fun, and slightly wild personality into every lesson. “I do not use apps or games,” he says. “It is more about keeping students focused by keeping the lesson alive.” For him, the balance between structure and spontaneity is key. He believes that if students see discipline modeled for them, they begin to reflect that same effort in their own practice.s
Ozzie believes that everyone has an artistry about them, even if music is not their personal outlet. He reminds students and parents that music is a deeply respectable pursuit. “It takes a lot of dedication and work. You cannot fake it. It takes time, discipline, and patience.”
When asked if there was a moment he felt he had truly made it as a musician or teacher, Ozzie gave a simple answer: “When I buy my house.” But in the meantime, his day-to-day work with students, his performances, and his lifelong commitment to music speak volumes.
With a wide range of experience, a down-to-earth perspective, and an infectious enthusiasm for music, Ozzie brings a rare kind of energy to every lesson he teaches. Whether it is a classical sonata or a bluegrass jam, he is helping students find their rhythm in ways that are grounded, meaningful, and fun.