Hi everyone!!
I'm a musician, drummer, and drum instructor with over 56 years experience. I look forward to working with all my new students through this platform. It's an honor and a privilege to be listed here and part of this group of talented musicians and instructors.
As a drummer, I've been influenced by many and taught by the pros. One of my most memorable instructors was the late great Charles (Charlie) Perry, author of many indispensable drum books including the Art of Modern Jazz Drumming, Rockin' Bass Drum Books 1 & 2, Drum Solos in Triplets, Introduction to the Drum Set, and 8 Men in Search of a Drummer. Charlie was, and still is, a major influence to me as a drummer and he has inspired me to become a great player and instructor.
My musical influences span all musical genres including, but not limited to, Jazz, Swing, Jazz Fusion, Rhythm & Blues, Rock n Roll, Prog Rock, Country, Gospel, Afro Cuban, Latin, and World Music. But the drummers who have influenced me most are perhaps as eclectic as the influences that make up my musical DNA. They include Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Edison Machado, Ginger Baker, Bernard Purdie, Billy Cobham, Dr. Steve Gadd, Russell Kunkle, Mike Craney, Lenny White, Ricky Dawson, Paul Wertico, Antonio Sanchez, Alex Acuna, Alphonse Mouzon, Peter Erskine, Tito Puente, Mitch Mitchell, and Dave Weckl.
I am professionally endorsed by HingeStix, a practice drumstick developed by Sam Ruttenberg, a professional percussionist, drummer, drum instructor, and drumstick manufacturer. I use the HingeStix practice drumstick to help students learn the proper feel of the loose grip while mastering the bounce and rebound. This practice drumstick shaves months and perhaps years off of mastering these techniques and it is an indispensable teaching tool during our lessons.
I am a member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation's "Support Music Coalition", a network of non-profit organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals working hard to keep music education strong. I am also a member of the Sabian Education Network, an organization of international educators, and an instructor through the D'Addario Education Collective.