Howard was taken with the guitar at an early age. He played acoustic and electric growing up and while at GVSU studied classical guitar with Argentinian guitarist Guillermo Fierens. He played full time after college and then served as Director of Bands at Tri County Area Schools from 1985-2015. All the while gigging on acoustic and electric guitar whenever possible. Now retired, he plays solo acoustic and electric guitar with several Michigan bands. He likes just about anything to do with, and anybody who plays fingerstyle guitar. He is currently studying with Australian guitarist Kyran Daniel.