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Bachelor's Program, Berklee College Of Music
2006 Berklee Scholarship
I am a person who eats, sleeps and breathes music and it is a privilege for me to share what I know with anyone who wants to ask. I have been playing professionally since I was 15. I've had the great fortune of touring in the US, the UK and Asia and have been featured on a number of television performances. My group ensemble, et al. has pushed the boundaries of modern instrumental music. With the help of some amazing teachers like Richie Barshy (from Herbie Hancock's group), Jackie Santos (Tavares), Ralph Peterson (from Joe Henderson's group), Dave DiCenso and Ted Poor (from Kurt Rosenwinkel's group), I have developed a unique style and approach to playing as well as teaching music.
For 13 years I have developed unique ways of teaching and learning the art of drum set playing. No matter what you specifically want to learn (song, style, fill, solo) I will not only teach you how to do it but how to expand on it and make it your own. I've taught privately for 12 years and taught through the School Of Rock for 5 years, both in individual and ensemble settings. As a player who is also a composer, I am especially well equipped in helping you find your creative voice. Having had a number of world renowned and stylistically diverse teachers, I also understand the best methods for developing great technique.
For beginners of any age I begin with a simple method of my own design for understanding how rhythm works. With simple step by step instructions, complex coordination becomes easy to understand. For intermediate students, refining technique through musical exercises and carefully selected repetoire is priority number one. For advanced students, the goal is to break down patterns that the player relies on to open up new possibilites. In all facets MUSICAL PLAYING is the priority. No boring purely technical exercises are allowed in my studio!!!
'Relaxed' and 'Musical' are the most important words to explain my teaching style. I enjoy the hang and I enjoy the music. Nothing we do will be purely technique based. Everything will involve music. We will never just read notes on a piece of paper! We'll listen to music, we'll always tie exercises back to things you already know and we will get to know one another's musical personalities. Wherever you are on your musical journey is the only possible place to be. You will progress at your own rate. I will never preassure you to do more than what I know you are capable of. You will play beautiful music as long as you are relaxed and having a great time!