My Musical Background
I’m a professional drummer, percussionist, and teacher with more than 25 years of experience performing, recording, and teaching.
I grew up in Seattle and got my start in garage and basement bands. Early training in rudiments, reading, and technique gave me the fundamentals, and I went on to study music at the University of North Texas, where I performed with the championship drum line, electric jazz ensemble, and other groups. I’ve also been lucky enough to study with and/or attend masterclasses with some amazing drummers along the way, including Jim Rupp, Ed Soph, Peter Erskine, Alex Acuna, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stanton Moore, and Matt Chamberlain.
My playing experience spans jazz, rock, pop, funk, musical theatre, Western swing, brass band, and plenty in between. I’ve performed and recorded throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and Pacific Northwest, including live on KEXP’s Sonarchy Radio, and have worked as a drum tech at several Seattle-area studios, including London Bridge, Soundhouse, Orbit Audio, and Fastback Studios. Whether I’m playing live or recording, my approach is simple: listen, find the pocket, and play what the music needs.
I bring that same approach to teaching. Strong fundamentals matter, but so does having fun. I tailor lessons to each student—whether you’re just starting out, preparing for a school ensemble, sharpening your technique, learning songs you love, or simply becoming a more confident drummer.
I’m now based in Tacoma, where I have a dedicated private music space for teaching, practicing, and recording. These days, I’m also spending more time with guitar, keyboards and songwriting—because there’s always something new to learn. I’m available for private drum and percussion lessons, live performances, recording sessions, and freelance projects in Tacoma, Olympia, and the surrounding South Sound.
“There is nothing better than music as a means for the upliftment of the soul.” — Inayat Khan