Bernie began taking drum lessons at the age of eleven and by the age of twelve was playing Country & Western gigs with his Grandfather. During his formative years, Bernie participated in concert, symphonic, marching and jazz band in Junior and High School. Bernie gained an extensive music education by working with band directors and instructors that were connected to the Ohio State University music and marching band program.

At the age of seventeen he started playing with area club acts Storm Wind, Stone Heart and Atomic Daze in Columbus, Ohio. While living in Columbus, Bernie worked at Columbus Pro Percussion. This led to a once in a lifetime opportunity to work at the Percussion Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This gave him the opportunity to provide tour and technical support to many of the music industries top name artist and touring acts.

After relocating to Fort Wayne, Bernie was a founding member of the successful regional band 'Not My Kids" and played with them from 1986 to 1991. He also played with the Band "Threat "and played for the" Night Shift" television show band. In 1994 Bernie briefly played with Kenny Taylor in what would become the "Blue Moon Boys". In 1996 Bernie became the drummer for Spike and the Bulldogs just shortly after Wayne joined the band making them both the new dogs on the block. It has been a great pleasure playing with such talented and gifted group of musicians, Bob, Wayne and Jim and sound techs Phil and Chris over the years making them all seem more like family. It is great to be sharing the stage with Kenny Taylor again after all these years.

Bernie is the owner of Stone Custom Drum Company located in Fort Wayne that successfully produces a professional line of custom and exotic drums that are sold worldwide.