A native of Chicago, IL, Ken started studying piano when he was in grade school, and he served as an accompanist for his high school choir. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, where he studied piano with Arthur Campbell and organ with David N. Johnson and Paul Ensrud. He received his Master of Arts in Music History at San Diego State University, where he studied under the musicologist Jaroslav Mracek.

He taught Music History and Appreciation at San Diego State University until he was hired by the Los Angeles Times’ San Diego Edition to cover classical music in San Diego County. He continues to cover music for SanDiegoStory.com and has won numberous awards for his music criticism. He is currently organist for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.