McKenzie began playing the violin at the age of 11. Since 2008, he has played in a number of symphony orchestras, soloing with the Orchestra of Southern Utah, the Southwest Symphony, and the Symphony of the Canyons. He was concertmaster of the DSU Orchestra, DSU Chamber Orchestra, and the Symphony of the Canyons. He played 3 seasons at Tuacahn Center for the Arts. McKenzie has also participated in numerous masterclasses with world-renowned violinists, including Ralph Matson, Frédéric Moreau, Alice Lourdes, Misha Rosenker, and Jenny Oaks Baker.

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From 2008 to 2014, he studied the violin with Paul Abegg, PhD.