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MM, University of Louisville BM, Western Michigan University
I am a drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator. I hold a Master of Music in composition from the University of Louisville as well as a Bachelor of Music in composition from Western Michigan University. Throughout my education I have had the opportunity to study and perform a wide variety of percussion instruments and musical styles including orchestral percussion, drum set, African and Latin American percussion. I am an active performer, most recently specializing in contemporary repertoire. Performing as a soloist, and in chamber ensembles, I've had the pleasure to premiere numerous pieces, allowing me to work closely with a diverse group of composers. From 2011 - 2014 I performed with Birds on a Wire in Kalamazoo, MI, premiering Paul Lansky’s Contemplating Weather, which was later recorded and released by Bridge Records in 2015.
I have a wide variety of experiences teaching in both the classroom setting and private instruction. I began teaching private lessons 6 years ago, and more recently have additionally been assisting middle and high schoo students during in-school tutoring. Along with weekly instruction, I have also aided students with successful preparation of auditions for high school band and orchestras, drumlines, youth orchestras, and various summer music camps. My students also frequently compete in MSBOA solo and ensemble competitions, where they consistently receive superior ratings.
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with “Elementary Drum Method” by Roy Burns. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce them to playing along with recordings and learning their favorite songs. Over time students can expect to learn a variety of styles of music. For Adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide me instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. As drummers and percussionist are often required to be able to perform multiple styles of music, I encourage my students to have a variety of skills and proficiencies
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student develop a passion for music. Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments help fuel a students desire to progress, and make students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.
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