About Me:
I began drumming at age ten (or more accurately, I started pounding on virtually everything in the house like a caveman at age ten.) Maddening to my family, no doubt -- but a very real outlet for me to express myself. Back then there was this thing called MTV, and at one point they played music videos. It melted my little mind and introduced me to my first musical influences. I emulated the drummers I saw. One fifth grade band and a Christmas gift drum set later, and my fate was sealed. Private lessons led to high school concert and marching band, “garage” bands, and eventually my first professional gig at age fifteen. It was getting serious, and I knew that playing drums would be my life.
I was very fortunate to have exceptional band teachers, private instructors, bandmates, and mentors early on. I also had very supportive parents. I’ve also always known what I wanted to with my drumming - To simply make my living playing good music with good musicians and to teach along the way.
Following high school, I went Minneapolis to attend MusicTech College. What I wanted -- what I needed -- was top notch experience: instruction from amazing teachers, and a big city with an excellent music scene. I played A LOT… and then I played some more. I absorbed every bit of information my teachers offered, and took every gig I could get my sticks on. Pop, Rock, Country, jazz, funk, Latin, blues -- I wanted to do it all.
I’d been teaching for a good while by then, but my business really picked up in the early 2000's. Since then I’ve been very fortunate in keeping a consistent performing and teaching schedule. I’ve continued studying with great teachers to ensure my personal growth as a musician and private instructor.
In 2012 I moved to Baton Rouge and continue to build my teaching business. After thirty years of live performance experience and twenty-seven years of teaching experience, my passion for both playing and instruction is stronger than ever, and I hope to inspire the same in the next generation of young drummers.
About my Teaching:
I teach all ages and skill levels of students, from beginner to advanced. It's never too early or late to begin!
Subjects of study I teach include concert and marching percussion; mallet percussion; understanding note values; reading/sight reading rhythm; rudimental studies and virtually everything drum set related; all genres/styles; technique building; limb independence; fill and solo building and much more. Over the past 20 years, I have written my own curriculum, and I provide my students with a majority of the written teaching materials we use.
My studio is conveniently located in South Baton Rouge. There is a comfortable waiting room for parents while the lesson is in session. My rates are $40 per hour for in-studio lessons. I do not require students to buy blocks of time or pay for the month in advance, however there is a discount for students who do so.
I am equally available for house call lessons, with the rate determined by travel distance from East Baton Rouge. Students interested in home lessons must have the necessary drum equipment available (I will happily make suggestions and field questions regarding equipment needs as necessary.)
Additionally, I am available for online lessons If you are located at a distance outside a convenient travel distance.
Please contact me today here on Thumbtack to schedule a free introductory lesson. I look forward to hearing from you
