Gary grew up in the Capital District area of New York. He started playing guitar at the age of 14. Some early influences include Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker, Alex Lifeson, AC/DC, Randy Rhoads, Van Halen etc. Some of Gary's current influences include: John Petrucci, John Scofield, Steve Morse, Alex Skolnick, Allan Holdsworth, Al DiMeola, Wes Montgomery, Joe Satriani, Robben Ford, Jon Finn, Brett Garsed, Johnny A. and many other great players.

   His musical education began with guitar lessons and music theory classes he took in school. In addition to being self taught, he did take lessons from local teachers. Gary has also received more formal training at The  National Guitar Workshop, The American Institute of Guitar in NYC, where he studied with Alex Skolnick, and most recently, The Berklee College of Music.  Gary  lives in  New York but has recently purchased real estate on the moon. When he's not playing the guitar, he can be found sleeping, hiking the Adirondacks,  tending to his pet rock collection, spending time with his family, and taking contributions for battered shrimp.