Drum & Piano Lessons with 15+ Years of Experience

New York City NY

Description

Hello! I am a drummer, songwriter, and educator who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area playing trumpet, tuba, piano and drum set. I have been teaching young students since I was in high school and have been gigging for almost 20 years. My passion for music has brought me across the country to Denver, CO and New York City meeting professional musicians, artists, and performers of all backgrounds. I owe much of what I have learned and embodied to my previous teachers and mentors including John Mattern, Alan Hall (Cirque Du Soleil), Jeff Massanari (SF Symphony), Mike Marlier (Maynard Ferguson) and pianist Eric Gunnison (Carmen McRae). Having studied rhythm and percussion most of my life, I believe it is necessary to explore its roots in Africa. I had the opportunity to do so in Ghana. My mentors there include world renowned xylophonist Aaron Bebe Sukura, percussionist Johnson Kemeh, and Dance Troupe Leader Agosu Allotey. Currently, I reside in Jersey City where I continue to tour with Denver based band Mama Magnolia, perform and record music in NYC & Jersey, compose, and teach, as well as refine my skills with my mentor Jeremy Carlstedt (Chico Hamilton). Please inquire about my hourly rate. I also offer 30 minute lessons and am willing to talk to any student about a rate that works for them. I usually teach out of Michiko Rehearsal Studios in Midtown if you are located in Manhattan. “It’s the honesty that you apply to your playing that makes music enjoyable. The style of the music has little to do with it. It’s only honesty that makes it beautiful." -Elvin Jones