Voice Lessons in Riverside, CA

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I think it was gradual, i always knew i loved playing and learning but when i attended Pasadena City College, i knew i wanted more exposure to music.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I actually began playing other instruments before drums, and thats kind of how i realized i loved drums. My first instrument was piano then i started picking up the guitar and bass.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, me and my older brother are both drummers in our family. My great uncle played upright bass and my great grandfather was an Accordion player here in the Los Angeles area.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
No other instrument feels quite like the drums, to me. It's a lot, but when i'm in "the zone" or in "the moment"..i feel complete and pure bliss.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of every student I have helped get over a “hill” in their journey through the instrument. That first time they achieve a new groove or point of technical is pure magic to me.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Start slow, spend 10 minutes on each subject you want to practice, practice infront of a mirror, set goals, listen to the style / genre you want to learn and don’t forget to breathe.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Marine Biologist, the ocean is a fascinating place and beautiful. I've been a big animal lover my whole life, currently a dog dad of two pups (Rocket & Missy).

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Progressive music, doesn’t need to be complicated and doesn’t need to be fast. All progressive is a mystery when you press play, because there really is no boundaries.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Lock the door, put your phone aside, set goals, get comfortable and warm up. Anytime I sit behind my drums I want to feel refreshed and present.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I obtained my degree in Music Performance, for drums & percussion. I wanted to expand my vocabulary and challenge myself while being surrounded with like mided people / musicians.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Your own identity, I’ve been playing for 16 years and have just recently begun to figure out what statements I want to make on the instrument. Everyone can learn parts, but no one can be you.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Their passion for the instrument inspired me to keep going with what I wanted to learn. My joys, my ambitions and my influences were encouraged to be incorporated in my playing.

When will I start to see results?
In my experience, students begin to show progress after two lessons. Everyone is different and has unique strengths & weakness', this includes their process of learning new concepts / ideas.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Any sign of interest with the ability to understand instructions, is all the reason to begin your journey on the instrument. Especially if they have favorite songs growing up and enjoy playng them again and again.

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