Drum Lessons in San Antonio, TX

Instruments: Piano Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Well, not exactly... I come from a rather large family and instead of giving you a history of each family member's music performances, let me just tell you this: Growing up, we regularly had "company" over (e.g., people from church, neighbors, relatives visiting, or friends from my parents' work, etc.) as well as friends of my 3 older brothers. The stereo was usually on in the background during these times. My parents, being Boomers, have inundated me with many musical influences from their youth. My older brothers exposed me to the most popular artists at the time. Music was also played in the car wherever we went. All this is to say while there were no instruments involved usually - I was exposed to a lexicon of some of the greatest music of the 20th Century and it inspired me to make great music myself!

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I always understood the connection from one to the next... When I started on the (alto) saxophone, I learned about other saxophones (soprano, tenor, baritone, etc.) and recognized they all read music the same way, they are all put together the same way and essentially played the same way, so, while there are noticeable differences in size and exact timbre, going from one to the other never phased me. I realized if I understood rhythm, and could read treble clef music, then how many other instruments have that in common. Woodwind instruments basically are fingered left hand on top, right hand on the bottom, with index-middle-ring fingers performing most of the work. Exact embouchure differences are obviously needed to learn from one instrument to the next, but it's not rocket science! This knowledge carried over into brass instruments, and eventually violin - but I have to credit some seriously outstanding teachers I've had! Piano & keyboard is something I have self-taught, and for that - I have one piece of advice: Practice!

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I prefer to play "GREAT" music - the exact genre doesn't matter! While my formal education focused mainly on Western music through different time periods (e.g., Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic, etc.) I do ultimately prefer pop music of various styles from the mid-late 20th Century on up to today!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
As I kid, I held mini-concerts for neighbors to hear. When I joined band in middle school, I insisted on performing a solo at each concert. I also participated in as many local talent shows as possible. By high school, there were different groups and ensembles I was either a member of or was asked to come play with. Musically, I was noticed and became known around campus as "the music guy". I enjoy practicing - looked forward to it, and even during the frustrating moments I knew I was just a step closer to reaching "the next goal". I invite my students to broaden their expectations and of course - practice EVERY DAY!!

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