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Ted picked up a bass guitar in 1974 and embarked on a lifelong musical journey. He began his career in the St. Louis local scene with Shepherd, playing throughout the Midwest, including Kiel Opera House, and recording on the K-SHE radio station compilation album in 1980.

His sense that he had to change his environment in order to advance his career led Ted to relocate to Los Angeles in 1985. There he studied advanced bass techniques with former Racer X and Scream bassist and Musician's Institute Instructor, John Alderete. He also studied under Dave Spitz of Black Sabbath and Great White. As a member of several bands, Ted established himself as a fixture on the hard rock club circuit playing such venues as The Roxy, The Whiskey, Gazzarri's and The Troubadour.

In 1990, he was awarded 2nd place in the "Best Bassist in Los Angeles" contest sponsored by The Bass Center and hard rock radio station KNAC. In 1992, he released a solo cassette, which highlighted his command of the bass. Both events resulted in Ted having been featured in Bass Player, Guitar for the Practicing Musician, Burrrn (Japan), Guitar World and Screamer.

When he returned to St. Louis in 1995 he joined Warner/Chappell recording artist Javier Mendoza (produced by Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep). After four years of recording and performing with Javier he moved on to 5 Long Years, a local blues band playing Off Broadway, 1860's, Broadway Oyster Bar, etc. Ted joined the reunion tour of CBS/Sony recording artists Pavlov's Dog, opening for acts such as Pat Travers, Night Ranger, Rare Earth, etc. In 2000, Ted again felt the need to travel and joined up with Blind Pig Records artist Studebaker John & the Hawks for a national tour of the U.S. including the Jazz & Blues Festival in Juneau, Alaska, Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago and other well known venues. Upon returning home, Ted played with local St. Louis bands, such as Mr. Chesterfield and the Smokers, Buffalo Bob and the Bedroom Blues Band, Ben Wah Bob, Uncle Albert and The Melissa Neels Band. He is currently performing with Just Mr.

In Ted's 30 years of performing, he has appeared on studio recordings featuring a wide range of artists including: Steve Bailey, B.I.T. instructor, Ampeg Clinician and studio session player, Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot and Wasp, Brent Barker, recording artist for Walker Texas Ranger soundtracks, and others. He has recently released his own compilation album, Ted May 30 Years of Bass 1974-2004.

Ted has recently started using the Eden Traveller 550 bass amp, an upgrade from his Traveller 400. "I discovered Eden when I played through the house rig at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago. I've been hooked ever since. Eden makes the most reliable bass amps I've ever used. I did 5 years of one-nighters with my Eden and my amp never gave up. They are light, portable, and powerful. They get the job done!"