When, at the age of four, Pat began playing his older sister's piano lessons by ear, his own classical training began.  This young musical genius spent a summer at the famous Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria (1968); finished a Bachelor of Music degree from Webster College (1969); and, then pursued the academic life and a Ph.D. in music for two years before devoting himself fulltime to jazz performance.

Much in demand because of his impressive pianistics, crazy sense of humor (evenings spent with him are both awe-inspiring and hilarious), and ability to blend a band together with his supporting harmonies contrapuntal melodic lines, Pat is a charter member of five St. Louis Jazz bands; and he is the first musicican requested to accompany jazz greats coming to St. Louis to perform.