He studied at the Institute of Musical Art (now Juilliard), and while in New York was also involved with the Harlem jazz scene, performing in 1924 with the Harlem Orchestra, and befriending the composer William Grant Still who played piano in the orchestra.
A musician studied at the Institute of Musical Art (now Juilliard) and was also part of the dynamic Harlem jazz scene in New York. He collaborated with the Harlem Orchestra in 1924 and became acquainted with composer William Grant Still, who played piano for the group.