During the tumultuous time that "Titanium" was together, Dean was playing even more than ever with various projects, recording, rehearsing, performing at school musicals and doing session work. He also enrolled in a jazz course.

Box Hill College of Music were running an extensive program of training in the jazz and popular music categories and had a reputation of churning out some extremely talented and versatile musicians. Dean saw this as the next step for himself in the unending task of mastering the electric bass.

The study of jazz proved to be as helpful to Dean in his playing as had the classical lessons on the violin so many years before. Under the expert tuition of Todd Richardson and Mr Neil Kennedy, Dean took his playing to a whole new level.

The Box Hill course was an intense one for Dean and his hard work resulted in many a "distinction" throughout all areas of study. More importantly, the inclusion of aural training, theory, improvisation, keyboard skills and several other subjects made Dean a more rounded professional musician.

The study of the electric bass at such an establishment helped Dean in his fusion of several musical elements. Finally, he was able to experiment with jazz, metal, funk, and r&b all at the same time, as well as to return to studying and playing compositions by the virtuosic Bach (this time on the bass!).

Several musical projects, countless recitals and public performances formed part of a memorable two years of study. Dean worked closely with incredibly dedicated musicians including Sarah Godden, Brendan Smith, Paul Vojnovic and Marie Claire Gemmell-Smith.

He also had the pleasure of performing with such luminaries as Mario Lattuada (from "El Fuego"), Rob Bratetich (from "El Fuego" and "RPM") and David Jones (from "Tree" and "the David Jones trio"). In addition, Dean had the rare opportunity to meet and learn from various masterclasses and clinics held at the college including "the Gary Willis band", Mike Stern, Randy Brecker and Billy Cobham!

Leaving music college, Dean began working in the blues\rock scene as well as continuing his work with original projects.

It wasn't however until he teamed up with drummer Mark Eaves that his schedule became increasingly busy. Mark had played in the band "S2CP" years earlier with Dean. The cover band scene was one that mark had consistently worked in for years. He had founded the dance\rock\funk band "N-Joy" and had some promising overseass work impending.

Former "Titanium" and "N-Joy" guitarist, Lindsay Hart, contacted Dean and alerted him to Mark's situation. Dean managed to learn an entire back catalogue of material and fit into the band perfectly. The ensuing months saw "N-Joy" playing six nights a week in Shenyang, China - a fantastic gig through the international entertainment agency, "Double T's".

Returning to Australia, Dean is pursuing all options created from his vast array of musical experiences. His capacity to adapt to any situation and perform to the best of his abilities makes him a highly sought after musician.

His love for his music and bass playing has taken him to new heights of creative awareness.