A California native, I started my music career at a very early age.  It all began with a Disney themed drum set that I played for hours (when I wasn’t banging out rhythm and beats on pots, pans, floors and tables).  Later, at age 9, I began formal instruction with an amazing personal teacher. I started like many before me with just sticks and a rubber practice pad. After months of persistent practicing in my bedroom, I was allowed to graduate to a snare drum. After a full year of instruction and hard work, I was on to drum set and never looked back. Along that journey, I was fortunate to be guided and influenced by my school band teachers and amazing private music instructors. 
      From Junior High through High School, I performed in many different groups and played many different styles. I was a percussionist for the El Dorado County Honor Band as well as the Northern California and California State Honor Band and Orchestra my Junior and Senior year of high school. I was also a percussionist for the Sacramento Youth Symphony and was a member of the Sacramento Freelancers Drum and Bugle Corps. During my Junior year in high school, I started teaching younger students in an attempt to instill the same love for music and percussion that was such a large part of my life. Ever since, I've been teaching students of all ages no matter where I found myself in the world.
     In 1991 I joined the Army and traveled the world stationed at various locations in the United States and Europe. No matter where my feet landed, I got involved with the local music scene by being a part of a band or ensemble or simply teaching in my local area. Eventually, I settled down in Vermont in 2006 and joined the Vermont Army National Guard. I became a part of Vermont’s Own 40th Army Band and performed with them for 4 years. Even though my career path took me elsewhere in 2011, I stayed involved with the 40th Army Band whenever they needed my assistance. I also performed around the area with Blues and Beyond, a blues and rock band with a most eclectic selection of music. I have also assisted annually with BFA Fairfax as well as Missisquoi Valley Union High School stage productions as their pit band Drummer/Percussionist.
If you are looking for assistance with mastering a certain style or help reading snare or drum set music, I can help. Let me assist you in starting your musical journey and help you become a lifelong musician like me.