I was born in Ohio in 1965. My first introduction to music was at the age of 4 when my parents enrolled me in the Suzuki Violin Method. I learned the basics of music and theory during this period.
At the age of 11 my family moved to Brooklyn and I began playing trumpet in my school jazz band. Soon after my stepfather Sonny Payne came into my life. Sonny Payne was a famous jazz/big band drummer who played with the likes Count Basie Harry James and Frank Sinatra to name a few. One summer Sonny took me on the road as a guest with the Harry James Band. Needless to say after that trip I was sold on drums.
I began my love affair with the instrument and have never looked back. I began my lessons with Sonny and have since studied privately with among others : Joe Morello Gary Chester Charlie Persip Sam Ulano Lorenzo Boston James Preiss Jim Payne and Kim Plainfield.
My formal music education includes the Edward R. Murrow High School Jazz program 5 years of university studies at the Local 802 New York musicians union education program at Lehman and Kingsborough colleges and the Drummers Collective in NYC.
I have played professionally since the age of 14 with various artists going on the road at 16. I have played on national television and have performed around the globe at world famous locations including the Apollo Theater and Madison Square Garden.
I have offered private drum instruction for over 20 years and have a unique 4 step teaching philosophy which promotes total balance and facility on the drums.
I am currently performing and recording with various artists in the NYC area A progressive jazz/fusion group 'MeridianVoice'. I also regularly perform as the lead drummer at worldwide concerts and Jazz festivals with a famous Police Band which includes a Drumline Steel drum Band and Jazz Ensemble. I have Developed The Following Drum Instruction Curriculum Over Many Years To Focus On A Powerful And Proven Method Of Systematically Improving The Drum Student's
1. Hand And Foot Technique.
This segment is a series of exercises and rudiments designed to increase the students hand speed stick control foot control and overall dexterity relating to the drums.
2. Reading.
This segment is designed to increase the students ability to sight read drum music notation through various drum reading books and exercises. This segment includes the dissection of any study materials that the student may have from outside sources including school NYSSMA marching band etc.
3. Independence.
This segment focuses on the importance of four limb coordination while simultaneously learning various rhythm styles including Jazz Rock Latin and various other world rhythms.
4. Application.
The final segment combines the previous three sections and applies them to actual music. The student is encouraged to present music that interests him/her. The music is then studied and dissected. The student is then taught how to apply the techniques learned in the previous segments to create the ultimate goal of solid musical interaction.
