Hawk's love for music began early in life. After winning many Texas State music awards in high school and attending Interlochen National Music Camp, he began to perform on the vibraharp professionally at age 17. While working towards his degree at Duke University he studied with jazz legends Mary Lou Williams and Paul Jefferies and also played in local jazz and dance bands. In 1984 he was invited to participate in the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy and went on to perform in Paris and Venice.
After college Hawk settled in Seattle, Washington, where he helped start, arranged for, and played with Bakra Batá, a unique steel drum and percussion band. They toured from Vancouver, Canada to Tucson, Arizona playing for events ranging from opening for the band, Taj Mahal, to the closing celebration of the 1986 World's Fair. His time with Bakra Batá climaxed with a tour of Brazil to play for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Sao Paulo. During his tenure with Bakra Batá, the band recorded three albums and sold over 50,000 compact disks and cassettes.
In 1988, Hawk retreated to the tranquility of Lopez Island, Washington to raise his family. There, amidst the picturesque forested and rocky landscape of the San Juan Islands, Hawk organized the band, "Santos de Lopez" -- a 12-piece percussive Caribbean dance group featuring Hawk on the vibes. They quickly became the most popular band in the region.
In 1997 Hawk returned to his jazz roots, playing the vibes as a solo performer or with guitar or bass as accompaniment. Hawk has since led jazz ensembles and played with such talented musicians as Barney McClure, Randy Halberstadt, Phil Sparks, Don Peake, Overton Berry, and others.
In the year 2000 Hawk produced "Up and Coming"; with the Hawk Arps Jazz Band. The Latin and swing grooves of this recording tap into the lively dance feeling that inspired jazz throughout its first century but seems to be lacking in much of our 21st century improvised music.
Most recently Hawk has been recording for film scores, entertaining fans with his Zydeco band, playing organ in a classical rock band, and recording and playing original compositions with “Ancestor Radio”, a seven piece afro-funk band.
Hawk is also in demand to play dinner music, cocktail music, and wedding music utilizing the unique solo "stride-vibe" style he created. He is frequently called upon to put together ensembles ranging from duets to sextets for special occasions.