Résumé (Print/Download PDF)

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional drummer, educator and traveling musician. Experienced and well-educated with full comprehension of high-level musical theory, history and technique. Full history of performing, educating, and employment with many companies and individuals covering various genres of music such as: Jazz, R&B, Pop, Gospel, Rock, Latin, Caribbean and Ballroom Dance Styles. Strong leadership skills, proficiency on piano and other percussion instruments. Over six years of experience in teaching private lessons and mentoring students of all ages. Organized, outgoing, charismatic and reliable.

EDUCATION & ACCOLADES

Michigan State University, College of Music, East Lansing, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts Degree – Jazz Studies, 2008
Recipient: MSU College of Music Talent Scholarship, 2004-2008

Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts (CASA), Oak Park, Michigan
Vocational Training
Recipient: Certificate of Completion - Specialization in Music Theory and Debate, 2000-2002

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Larchmont Music Academy, Larchmont, New York, 2009 – Present
Private Drum Set & Piano Instrucor for kids ages 5-18

Pelham Music Arts Academy, Pelham, New York, 2009 – Present
Private Drum Set & Piano Instrucor for kids ages 5-12

The Arts League of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan, 2006 – 2008
Youth Mentor and Educator for 13-18 year-old musicians
Gave private drum and piano lessons to students
Organized and led students’ rehearsals and concerts

USA Cultural Exchange, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Chiba City, Japan, 2008
Michigan State University Jazz Band Tour of Japan
Played in various Jazz clubs and venues throughout Japan
Hosted master classes and clinicians for several High Schools and Universities
Held joint concerts with Osaka College of Music and other major Universities in Japan

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Jazz Program, Detroit, Michigan, 2005
Rhythm Section Mentor for the premiere youth Jazz ensemble in Michigan
Held sectionals, private drum lessons, and big band rehearsals for 12-18 year-old students
Rehearsed and performed in historic Orchestra Hall in Downtown Detroit

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan, 2007 – 2008
Alex Graham & The Grand Hotel Big Band and The Grand Hotel Dining Room Jazz Trio
Jazz, Standards, Latin, Ballroom Dance, Rock, R&B and Pop Styles

Independent Musical Contractor, New York, New York – Detroit, Michigan, 2002 – Present
Drummer for various local and internationally known Bands/Musicians
The Rodney Whitaker Quartet, Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Wynton Marsalis, James Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Gardner, The Diego Rivera Quartet, The Nu-Jazz Collective, Andre Hayward, Derrick Gardner, Wayne State University Big Band, Gangster Jazz, Urban Transport, Walter Blanding Jr., Rick Roe, Jason Marshall Organ Trio, Alex Graham Quintet, Ross Margitza Trio and The Grand Hotel Big Band.