Biography

I have been playing the drums for 12 years, exploring and creating in numerous styles. After deciding to seriously pursue music, I went to Humber College where I took the Intro to Commercial Jazz program. After completing the program and receiving a certificate I returned to Humber College for their Bachelor of Applied Music. I completed the degree in four years with an emphasis in sound engineering.

While at Humber I was taught by many of the greatest musicians in Canada including drummers Don Vickery (Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman), Ted Warren (Slide Hampton), Paul Delong (Kim Mitchel), Chendy Leon (Jesse Cook, Ron Sexsmith) and Mark Kelso (Holly Cole) and instrumentalists Al Kay, Rik Emmitt (Triumph) and Juno award winner Kirk McDonald.

In 2009 I put out my first jazz album with ten songs, nine of which were originals. I also put out "The Drum Book" in 2009 and the second edition was printed in 2011 which includes an MP3 CD contaning me playing hundreds of examples from the book and play alongs. In 2010 I put out the first drum book on the subject of playing double bass drum grooves without using a double bass pedal. I currently play with Brandon Agnew, my Ottawa Jazz Trio and cover band The Reals around Ottawa as well as various jazz groups.

I have taught drums for the past seven years - currently I teach at Alcorn Music Studios and from at my house. I am also currently attending the Teacher Education Program at the University of Ottawa and will graduate in April 2012.