Become a musician while having fun!

 Drums/Percussion/Technology/Recording/Composition

I am a caring and driven musician, composer and educator. I have worked in public education for more than 25 years where I served as a band director at an inner-city high school in East Orange NJ. I have also been fortunate to have had a career as a NY Broadway Pit musician, Network Television music producer, and symphony community engagement ensemble director.  I earned an M.M. in percussion performance from Manhattan School of Music.  I take pride in my teaching by making each lesson specific to goals set by the student and led by the teacher.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beginners can expect to be immersed in a world of music reading, music theory, and history, while engaging in a fun hands-on progressive experience. Intermediate students will be given a review of what is needed to reach the next level. Advanced/Professional students can expect an assessment and plan to develop skills in your areas of interest. My goal in all lessons is to give each student the tools, skills, and information needed to become a knowledgeable musician who is an well rounded artist.                                                  

             Did I mention fun? Music should be an immersive and fun experience. Let's collaborate on making you the best musician that you can possibly be. I've been fortunate to have been involved in a wide range of teaching, performance and recording activities over my career. Here are a few highlights from my resume that might give you an idea of my background:                                                                               

Music Educator in various NJ public schools. Taught percussion, world music, music history and instrumental music/jazz education.     College teaching experience: Bloomfield College (Music Technology adjunct) Played on Broadway as pit musician for many musicals including Cats, Chess and Phantom of the Opera, worked with NJ Symphony pre-concert adventures series . Recorded with contemporary jazz artists Bob Mintzer and David Benoit and classic Jazz great Ted Curson. Live performances and recording with my own contemporary jazz ensemble at numerous East Coast venues and festivals. Composed, produced (recorded and mixed), edited, mastered and delivered hundreds of original audio tracks for Network and cable television shows including All My Children (2 Emmy nominations). Comfortable teaching most styles including jazz, Latin, pop, rock, hip-hop, marching, ethnic and classical.  I teach in a fully equipped teaching/recording studio in Pittsburgh PA area or online. Drum set, percussion, mallets, timpani, hand percussion. 

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