Bert’s compositions, improvisations, and teaching reflect both an inward and outward-looking view of life and music. His professional and personal evolution, open mind, and generous nature assist him in guiding aspiring musicians toward their goal of making a life in music. Bert teaches creative musicians an in-depth approach to the fundamentals of jazz harmony, rhythm, and improvisation.  His systematic and flexible pedagogy, teaching the mastery of musical vocabulary and styles, never loses sight of the bigger picture: the development of each student’s connection to their ears and innate musicality, their personal aesthetic, and professional direction. 

He has toured extensively in the United States and internationally, including twelve tours to Japan.  He has performed and recorded with Joe Lovano, Tim Hagans, George Garzone, Bob Moses, Joe Hunt, Richie Barshay, John Lockwood,  and Kazumi Ikenaga.  He has performed in ensembles on concert stages with George Mraz, Miroslav Vitous, Mick Goodrick, Tom Harrell, Ben Street, Eva Ayllon and Jorge Roeder.