Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and obtained graduate training in medicine and cell biology in preparation for a career in medical research. But after two years in an MD-PhD program, he recognized his passion for music and obtained a teaching position at the University of Redlands. He completed the Master of Music degree at California State University, Northridge and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Juilliard School under the direction of Dorothy DeLay, where he received the Fritz Kreisler Scholarship. Taylor has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, among them the Coleman Chamber Music Award, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago Soloist Auditions, the Joseph Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Rodolfo Lipizer International Competition (Italy), and the 2000 Adventist Alumni Achievement Award for the Arts.

Taylor has taught at University of Redlands, Andrews University, La Sierra University, the USC Thornton School of Music, and Occidental College. During the pandemic, Taylor returned to California State University, Northridge to complete a BS in nursing. He continues at the University of Missouri’s DNP program in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Taylor’s orchestral career began as concertmaster of both the Redlands and Riverside symphony orchestras. From 2007 to 2011, Taylor served as Assistant Concertmaster for the New Zealand Symphony. Taylor served as Principal Second Violinist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 31 years.