 On his singing teacher's suggestion he decided to pursue his vocal studies in the United States.From 1985 to 1987 he studied with Edward Zambara at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and from 1987 to 1990 with Mark Elyn at the University of Illinois where he received his Master of Music degree in voice.In 1990 he won the Rose Shenson Scholarship to San Francisco Opera's Merola Opera Program and the University of Illinois Krannert Debut Award.