Dustin has been surrounded by music for the majority of his life. Starting his pursuit into music at the age of 12, he was inspired by his aunt Kathy Stewart, violinist for the Atlanta Symphony and touring violinist for names such as Led Zeppelin, Roger Daltrey, and John Denver. After completing high school, Dustin went to the prestigious Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. While at Belmont, Dustin hit the streets of Nashville, studying and playing with many musicians such as John Pell, Guitarist for Chet Atkins, Session Saxophonist Jeff Kirk, and Danny and Beth Gottlieb, percussionists for Pat Metheny. Upon completing undergrad, he returned home to Atlanta and gigged around Atlanta, honing his chops with a wide variety of artists, including heavyweight gospel artists, JJ Hairston, and Hezekiah Walker. Later he received a full scholarship to obtain his Master's Degree at one of the forefront jazz education programs, University of Louisville. While in Louisville, Dustin did session work and played with Jazz Heavyweights such as Charles Macpherson, Alto Saxophonist for Charles Mingus, Jazz Vocalist Carmen Bradford, and Jamey Abersold.