I fell in love with playing music a bit unexpectedly.
Before percussion found me, I was on track to be a farmer. I joined FFA, took care of cows, the whole thing. I played an instrument in middle school band, but it wasn't really my passion.
Then in high school, some band friends and I sat down and played Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings on marimba together, and I was never the same.
The feeling of playing something proficiently, in sync, completely absorbed — I'd never experienced anything like it. From that moment, I knew I wanted to spend my life playing music and giving that experience to as many people as I could.
So I followed my own path. At the University of Central Florida, I majored in music performance while teaching at local high schools, learning everything I could about percussion while also working directly with students.
When I got into the Jacobs School of Music to earn my Master of Music in Percussion Performance, I sought out the instruments and techniques I hadn't yet mastered — and kept going until I could honestly say I had no gaps.
Today, I can teach you to play any percussion instrument. Even the triangle.
Since 2009, I've taught marching band to over 1,000 students and worked with roughly 90 private students one-on-one. I've taught in sixth grade band rooms, on high school competition floors, and mentored students who wanted to be challenged, students who felt left behind, and students who were still figuring out how music fit into their lives. I've also taught adults who woke up one day with drums in their heart and decided it was finally time to learn.
All of that taught me one thing: Anyone can play percussion … with the right teacher.
Some students need to slow down. Some need to be pushed. Some need to focus on technique; others on creativity. Every student learns differently and brings their own story to the craft. Great teachers not only adapt to those students, but learn to connect with them.
So that's the kind of teacher I strive to be, every day.
I'll get to know your goals, your challenges, your learning style, your favorite music — all so I can teach you in the way that actually works for you.
It doesn't matter where you're starting from. If you trust the process, I will make you better.
And somewhere along the way, you just might discover how remarkable you actually are.
Whatever your pace or skill level, I’ll work with you to develop percussion lessons that help you reach your goals.
Tell me a little about yourself and I'll be in touch within one business day.
