Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance-Berklee College of Music, Magna Cum Laude

Extensive teaching experience of ages 8 through adult

Drum set studies with Chuck Brown, Casey Scheuerell, Mark Walker, John Ramsay, Jon Hazilla, Kenwood Dennard, Steve Wilkes and Kim Plainfield

Percussion studies with Dr. Thomas Toner, Ed Saindon, and Ernesto Diaz

Ensemble Master Class studies with Joe Lovano and Joanne Brackeen

Jazz composition studies with Bob Pilkington, Jackson Schultz, Scott Free, Dick Lowell

Performances in Japan with pianist Makoto Takenaka and in the United States with Adam Pascal ("Rent")

Awards:
Armand Zildjian Percussion Scholarship-2007
Composition featured in "The Best of Jazz Composition 1"-2007
Berklee Entering Student Talent Scholarship (2004-2008)
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Chancellor's Talent Scholarship-2003
Celine Slator Music Scholarship-2003
Fine Arts Departmental Award-2003
American Legion Academic Achievement Award for Instrumental Music-2003

I have taught all levels and all styles of drumming to students as young as 8 through adult. Some of the many topics I cover in lessons include:

*Rudiments & technique
*Reading & music theory
*Songs from "Rock Band" & "Guitar Hero"
*Musical styles (rock, funk, jazz) & playing with bands
*Beginning timpani, hand percussion, and mallet percussion lessons
*Music theory tutoring

As a teacher, I am flexible with designing a custom curriculum for each and every student, and am comfortable teaching virtually any style a student enjoys. When a student first consults me for lessons, I will typically ask them who their favorite bands and artists include, and then set about designing a custom program of study that will give them the ability to play the music they enjoy the most.

As a performer, I have appeared in venues ranging from outdoor festivals and clubs in the United States to theaters and concert halls in Japan. I use my musical experiences with artists such as Makoto Takenaka and Adam Pascal to give my students insight on what life on the road is like, as well as perspectives on how to apply knowledge learned in lessons to playing in bands with other musicians. In short, I truly believe that anyone can learn the drums!

Lessons available in New York City and Westchester Counties, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Email or click "call me" for further information.