Between tours, I was still an avid student, working with master drummers Peter Magadini, Eddie Marshall and Dave Black. I even became a teacher myself and immediately found a passion for helping new players find their feet; in contrast to my first teacher, who had mocked me for wanting to learn my favorite punk songs. I found that I could teach fundamentals through the music my students were into. To this day, I believe that lessons should be fun, creative and inspiring. That’s what keeps me in my studio—typically for over 50 hours a week.

I continue to balance my teaching career with professional gigs around the Bay Area. I’ve performed with Cabrillo Stage and Shakespeare Santa Cruz, taught at Kuumbwa Jazz Camp and worked behind the scenes at the Monterey Jazz Festival. (Oh, and in 2017 I was a tech on Fred Armisen’s Netflix special Standup for Drummers.) Once in a while I host a clinic or a guest teacher, giving the community the chance to get up close and personal with living legends ranging from Mark Guiliana to Bernard Purdy.

My wife and two daughters are at least as passionate about music as I am. In our home something is always playing, whether it’s Carmen McRae, Stevie Wonder or The Swmr’s. I do what I love and I know how transformative music can be. All you need is desire and drive—and maybe someone to show you where to put your hands and feet.