Charles U  
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

I began playing the drums in local rock bands while in Jr. High School and High School in Miami, Fl. (1965-71). My friends father was a professional guitar player and teacher. He got me started with musicians that played gigs all over South Florida. Over the years I continued to develop a vast knowledge of various styles which kept me busy as a working drummer. My roots in rock ,jazz and blues also continued to be exemplified when performing at colleges and opening for national bands. I performed in shows on cruise ships and on Miami Beach, jazz in restaurants , island music, all varieties of "club dates". I was the bandleader at The Grove Club in Coconut Grove Fl. (Miami) for over five years which consisted of providing live music four nights a week with complete control of personnel and repertoire. Throughout these years I continued to pursue my education at The University of Maimi and teach private drum lessons at Carroll Music in Miami, Fl.

Along with the books listed below, I ask that students bring a blank spiral note book in which technique notes as well as exercises customized to the individualized progress of each student are notated as the student progresses. Although I have an extensive personal collection of "drum books" , the books that I like to use for teaching are Teaching Rhythm, Stick Control , Realistic Rock and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer. The first few lessons are modeled from my most influential drum teacher Herald Harms, (MM U of M). There is strong emphasis on proper technique and an explanation of different techniques and the importance of maintaining correct technique as the learning process progresses.