QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Musical Arts, Jazz Performance (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
• Master of Music, Jazz Performance (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
• Bachelor of Jazz Studies (University of Manitoba)
• Over a decade of teaching experience across the US and Canada, including at the university level
• Significant performance credits across the US and Canada as a full-time freelance musician
• Extensive experience with students of diverse ages, levels, and backgrounds, including those with autism, ADHD, and physical challenges
• Formal training in music pedagogy, including such topics as ethics, communication, leadership, and effective teaching strategies
• Holistic musical expertise beyond drumming, including such areas as music theory, aural skills, improvisation, composition, arranging, and transcription
   

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As someone who was initially self-taught and grew up on popular music before pursuing formal jazz studies and a professional career in music, I feel uniquely equipped to understand a range of student perspectives and how best to approach tailoring lessons for each student as an individual. Having spent over a decade working with all kinds of people, my teaching philosophy has been refined through time and experience to become what it is today, and can be broken down into three main tenets:

1. Cultivate a positive and personal relationship with music
2. Establish a strong musical foundation of percussion techniques, aural skills, and contextual awareness
3. Develop self-sufficiency through effective practice habits, fostering traits like self-discipline and critical analysis

Guided by these fundamental concepts, I address both the immediate needs and long-term goals of each student, ensuring a personalized and comprehensive learning experience.