About Me:
I approach teaching with one simple message: have fun! Ultimately we all play because he have fun doing so, and that passion helps motivate us to keep learning, to keep bettering ourselves. Although rudiments and theory are essential parts of learning to play, I also like to set time aside during each lesson to concentrate solely on what the student wants to learn and improve. With this the sky is the limit!! When the student is being taught things he or she WANTS to learn, then the whole process becomes much more productive.

Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Funk, Heavy Metal, Fusion

Subjects:
Theory, Arranging, Orchestration, Music Technology, Rock Music History

Ages:
Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage, Adult

Availability:
Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, Medford, Brighton, Brookline

Major Influences:
John Bonham, Stuart Copeland, Carter Beauford, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Steve Gadd, Jose from Incubus, any drummer who has ever played with John Scofield, all the jazz greats especially Elvin Jones and Tony Williams, Vinnie Paul from Pantera who can hit it hard! Chad Smith and ?uestlove who play funk like they were born to do it, and all the studio giants who only the dedicated few can name completely.

Experience:

• Drum teacher in Montana for all ages and styles for almost 3 years. And, regardless of what you may think, there are some pretty good students there!! Also played with various groups and gave consultations for grade schools and the University. [2005 - 2007]
• Drum teacher in Boston for all ages and styles. Taught out of a studio, while working at Jack's Drum Shop, right in Back Bay. Gigged with musicians in clubs and private parties throughout the Boston area. Also gave consultations, advice, and did repairs on percussion instruments while at Jack's Drum Shop. [2001 - 2004]
• Have experience playing all over the country; have played in Boston, Maine, New York, Los Angeles, and Montana with all sorts of musicians - primarily rock, funk and blues. [2000 - Present]

Education:

• Bachelor of English Education (BA), Montana State University-Billings [2006]

Studied With:

• Dave DiCenso [2002 - 2003]
• Rod Morgenstein [2000 - 2002]

Seminars and Workshops Attended:

• Professional Music Major (2000-2003), Berklee College of Music [2000]

Discography:

• Tate Philips - "Funk Disco" [2007]