My Story.
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, "Birthplace of Rock & Roll". Drumming was in my blood from the start, beating on everything from pots and pans to our old washing machine.
Thanks to very supportive parents, I was surprised with a drum set at age 5 and it changed my life. I spent countless hours every day in my bedroom playing along to "Oldies" from the 1950s, then Motown Soul, Funk and R&B. As the years flew by, I took a few lessons, sang/played in church, did some musical theater (pit and stage), learned a few other instruments and continued singing (yep, I can sing back-up, too).
I spent 15 years in bagpipe bands competing, performing, teaching and writing in every competitive grade of band contests and solo snare drum competitions. At 18, I competed in the World Pipe Band Championships (Glasgow, Scotland).
I was also heavily involved in (DCI-style) high school marching band drumline (on snare and tenors), achieving several "Superior" (I) ratings in state band contests and WGI indoor drumline competitions. The pipe band and marching band/drumline experience was where I really discovered the benefits of discipline, sight reading, proper technique, ensemble playing/writing and teamwork.
Since then I've played with numerous ensembles in as many genres (from Rock to Rockabilly). I've shared the stage with some amazing musicians, and performed around the US and Canada, in dive clubs to packed arenas. I've also been a member of the judging panel for the Guitar Center Drum-Off competition for several years, judging Store Finals and District Finals conests.
I've managed to pick up the sticks just about every day for the last 20+ years. I'm lucky to be making a living doing what I love: playing, teaching and working around drums every day.
If you haven't already, please give a listen to some tracks I've recorded recently in the
pop-up music player.
What am I doing now?
Lots, actually...I'm busy performing and recording as a freelance drummer / percussionist in the Cleveland area, teaching drum lessons, running my business, doing some freelance graphic design, and much more. I live in the 'brubs with my beautiful and supportive wife Sarah, two dogs and two cats.
