Raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bert’s passion for music started at an early age when he began playing classical piano and singing.  At about ten, he picked up trumpet in school and started taking jazz lessons on piano.  These pursuits only lasted a few more years though, and at 13 he acquired his first bass and lost himself in its pursuit, forsaking his other instrumental undertakings.  Playing and singing jazz through middle and high school he developed a strong affinity for its complex tonal structures in addition to his already well-developed love for rock and pop music. 

Originally a music industry major, he entered USC as a freshman in 2006.  After switching his major to physics and finding (not unexpectedly) that it is a very time-consuming endeavor, he has strived not to let his original passion, music, fall by the wayside. Despite a busy schedule, Bert has continued to develop his technique and musical sensibilities and hopes to never stop doing so.