I
have been playing drums and percussion for 30 years. I have played in
several bands, recording more than 150 songs, officially releasing 10
CD's, and playing hundreds of shows. I have been a successful drum
and piano teacher for 18 years.
I grew up in Oregon,
Wisconsin, playing in the excellent Oregon School Bands. We (Oregon High
School) won the National Marching Percussion Festival Championships in 1986 and
1987 . My drum instructor during that time was Mark Lindsey, out of
Chicago. He was a tough disciplinarian, and all the hard work paid off, as
I, and several of my
classmates have gone on to music careers since. In 1985, I joined
the band, FERRO, and remained with them until 1990. We recorded and
released 2 albums, "Rigor Mortis" (1988) and "Endgame"
(1989). The style was speed metal, we played shows throughout the midwest
from 1985-1989.
I attended
the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1989-1992, majoring in Music
Performance, studying under Dr. James Latimer. I performed with many
University Music groups, including; symphony, percussion ensemble, wind
ensemble, jazz combo, symphonic band, pep band, marching band, small
ensembles, etc, gaining vast experience in many styles, and loving the
pressure of playing 35 concerts per semester. During college, I played the
madison club scene in a couple of alternative rock/punk bands.
I moved out to the San
Francisco Bay Area and began playing in the metal band, BAD
KARMA, in May, 1995. We played
hundreds of shows for thousands of people, throughout the
west coast, for the next 13 years, recording
and releasing 7 CDs from 1996-2008. We played with many touring
acts, culminating with playing several record label showcases in NYC in 2001.
From 2002-2008,I also
played with several alternative and pop bands,
most notably, STRANGEWAY,
a pop
duo, releasing a CD in 2007. We consisted of vocals, bass, and drums, which is a bit unique.
I have been a very successful drum /
percussion / piano teacher
for 18 years. I have a complete client list of very satisfied clients
available. One of my students was named the California High School
Musician of the year in 2006, and he is currently attending the Cleveland
Institute of Music. I have several former students who have become
successful music teachers, as well.
In 2008, I hope to have my best
accomplishments still ahead of me, and I will do whatever it takes to make
that happen. I continue to improve on a daily basis, I continue to
learn, and I continue to play with passion.
