Music Lessons in Westlake Village, CA

Instruments: Conga Music Djembe

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of three major milestones in my career. First, having the privilege of playing for The Sam Morrison Band for 26 years has been an incredible journey. Being part of a band for that long is rare in this industry, and I take great pride in the music we’ve created, the miles we’ve traveled, and the fans we’ve connected with along the way. Second, winning a Bronze Telly Award in 2009 for my instructional DVD, The School of Hard Rocks, was a huge honor. That project was all about sharing my passion for drumming and helping others grow as musicians, so receiving recognition for it meant a lot to me. Lastly, having over *25 albums to my credit* is something I’m extremely proud of. Each recording represents countless hours of hard work, creativity, and collaboration, and I’m grateful to have been a part of so many projects over the years. These accomplishments remind me why I fell in love with drumming in the first place, and they continue to fuel my passion for music every day.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My earliest teachers, Rob Heskett and Ted Fulte, were the reason I chose music as a profession. They didn’t just teach me how to play, they made me believe in myself. Their passion for music and dedication to their students had a huge impact on me, and I carry that same philosophy into my own teaching. Because of them, I understand how powerful a great teacher can be. It’s not just about showing students how to play a beat or read a chart—it’s about inspiring confidence, encouraging growth, and helping them realize their full potential. That’s exactly what I aim to do for every student I teach.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose the drums after seeing Ronnie Tutt play for Elvis. The way he played with such power, precision, and musicality completely captivated me. His ability to drive the band while adding his own signature feel was something that stuck with me from the moment I saw him play. That experience sparked my passion for drumming and set me on the path to becoming a professional musician. Ronnie Tutt’s influence, along with the guidance of my first teachers, Rob Heskett and Ted Fulte, shaped the drummer I am today. His dynamic playing style and ability to complement every song perfectly showed me how important it is to not just *play* drums, but to truly serve the music. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, both as a performer and as a teacher.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I can usually tell if a child is ready to start drum lessons if they know their right from their left, although if they don’t, I can certainly help with that too! Having a basic understanding of left and right is important for coordinating hands and feet on the drum set. Additionally, some basic math skills, like simple counting, go a long way in helping a young student grasp rhythm and timing. One of the great things about learning music is that it naturally strengthens math skills. Counting beats, subdividing rhythms, and understanding time signatures all reinforce concepts like fractions and pattern recognition. Many studies have shown a strong connection between music education and improved math abilities, and I see it firsthand with my students. Drumming isn’t just about playing beats, it’s about developing a strong sense of timing, problem-solving, and coordination, all of which have benefits beyond music.

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