About
I am a multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator. I have performed professionally since 1993, with over 3,000 professional engagements since then as drummer, jazz vibraphonist, orchestral/theater percussionist, and even some guitar and bass. From 1999 until 2010 I averaged over 150 gigs a year, typically with dozens of bandleaders and contractors in a single year.
I have taught thousands of private drum and percussion lessons since 1997, from beginners to pros. One of my proudest students was Keith Robinson, longtime drummer for Chuck Berry, who wished to learn more about Latin rhythms from me, as well as reading skills. As I gradually gained more and more part-time classroom experience I decided to pursue an education degree and state certification. I have been a full-time music teacher since 2011.
I have a Bachelor of Music Performance in jazz percussion and a Master's of Art in Teaching K-12 instrumental music. This is my 6th year as Director of Music at Bishop DuBourg High School (St. Louis), and 11th year as adjunct professor of music both at Jefferson College (Missouri) and St. Louis Community College. At the college level I teach Private Applied Percussion, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation I-IV, Music 101, and Music Technology and Recording.
In 2019 I won a Regional Arts Commission (STL) grant to record an album of original jazz (forthcoming). In 2014 I was awarded second prize in the Percussive Arts Society International Composition Contest. Some of my compositions are published with Bachovich Publications.
My range is vast. I was a heavy metal drummer as a teen, studied classical percussion before jazz, and have performed in blues, jazz, R&B, rock, musical theater, symphony orchestras, world-music ensembles, and expirimental electronic fusion.
Member - AFM Local 2-197, ASCAP, NAfME, Percussive Arts Society, Missouri Bandmaster's Association, Missouri Association for Jazz Education, St. Louis Archdiocesan Teacher's Association.
I teach to the needs of each student. Sometimes there is no need for a text. I do like "Vibraphone Dampening and Pedaling" by David Friedman, "Four Mallet Studies" by Anthony Cirone, "The Jazz Lictionary" by Tony DiPasquale, "The Language of Drumming" by Benny Greb, and countless others.