Chad's first live drum performance was at age 5 at the Tangier Lounge in Akron, Ohio. In the 1990's, Chad played drums for the Ohio State University Jazz Band, marched snare drum with the Star of Indiana drum & bugle corps, and made a name for himself in Ohio as drummer for the indie funk-rock band Ishkabibble. Upon moving to Georgia in the early 2000's, Chad taught music, performed and recorded with several Atlanta-based indie artists, and sat in as guest drummer several times for Grammy-winner Zac Brown. Chad also played the part of Fred Schneider (while drumming) in the red-hot Atlanta-based B-52's tribute band The Lobsters of Rock.

In recent years, Chad has performed with American Idol finalist Jessica Meuse, Ed Roth (Robbie Krieger, Chad Smith) Ken Lockie (Cowboys International, Public Image Limited), Bassist Dave Fowler (Dolly Parton, Billy Bob Thorton), Greg Garing, Kayley (Hill) Bishop, David Robert King, Mick Mullin, Irish rockers 1916, DJ Quiet Entertainer, guitarist "Ace" from Sloppy Seconds, and Allblacktemples. Chad currently performs with MarDe Brooks, trombonist Sarah Morrow (Ray Charles, Dr. John), Charles Butler, and is open for various live touring and shows. As an actor, Chad was a team recipient of the 2026 NAACP Image Award for Best Short Film (Live Action), portraying a jazz drummer in the short film "Ella" featuring Jill Scott.