He previously held positions at Duke University, the University of Maryland and the University of Alberta. His PhD in music (ethnomusicology) is from the University of Alberta, where he worked with Regula Qureshi. His musical research explores musical practice, identity and conflict in affinity groups - especially North American religious groups (particularly Mennonites) examined in a global frame and sports fan groups. Together with Suzel Reily, he is co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities (2016). He has published articles exploring Christian and Mennonite music in Ethnomusicology, the Journal of American Folklore, Popular Music and Society and a number of additional journals and edited collections.