I grew up studying drums from the very early age of 9 in my hometown of Merrick, NY. I was lucky to have a supportive family, and some good guidance from instructor Al Miller all through high-school. I grew up listening to John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, and Stewart Copland, but Al introduced me to Buddy Rich, David Garibaldi, and many others. He also connected me to incredible technique lessons from both Jim Chapin and Dom Famularo in high school. 

 

Thanks to my early years, I had become a technically sound drummer, but I flourished as a musician moving out to Los Angeles to attend the Thornton School of Music at USC. My first year at USC was a rude-awakening to all that I didn’t know about music! I was lucky to be overloaded with incredible information from the likes of John Clayton, Ndugu Chancler, and Shelly Berg. They gave me a foundation, but more importantly a thirst for more information at every turn. I continued my studies with more incredible musicians and performers Terri Lyne Carrington, Peter Erskine, Aaron Serfaty, Alphonso Johnson, Alan Pasqua, and many more. From USC I immediately entered the real world of being a working musician, and continuing my studies on my own pace and schedule (which continues to this day)!

 

After years of education, I immediately began giving back what I received.  Within months after graduation I began teaching and running the Henry Mancini Institute Outreach Initiative to public schools all over Los Angeles. I also became a mentor for the Thelonious Monk Institute (now the Herbie Hancock Institute) high school outreach program, teaching high school performance groups after school.

 

Currently, I have a private studio of drummers/musicians that I teach regularly. I also teach performance groups and private students at California State University, Northridge. In addition I have given masterclasses all over Southern California, and have taught many more all across the US.