Mission Statement
To inspire children and adults to seek their highest potential by using the drum as a vehicle.
Philosophy
Since 2000, I have been fortunate to be a teacher at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) where I teach drum set, Afro-Cuban conga, and West African djembe and dunun drums. Ten years of consistency has allowed me to develop as a knowledgeable and creative teacher, but has also given me the experience of teaching thousands of students. I have learned so much about myself and others through the drum, especially patience, humility, and the importance of community. In any class or workshop, it is always my intention to provide a space for learning, personal growth, and community. Of course, the fun meter is always red lining!
In ancient times, the drum held tremendous power and was used for two completely different reasons; spiritual transformation and war. I believe in present day, we can learn from our ancestors and use the drum for spiritual transformation and personal growth. I know this is true for me and for some of my students. However, if we play the drum in competition with others our ego will destroy any potential of personal growth. I then ask the question, what is war? The answer: ego. So there lies the double edge sword of the drum - transformation/personal growth on one side and war/ego on the other. I don't believe you can have both. I feel that my teaching has evolved into a type of “drum dharma” that seeks to address these differences.
Why West African rhythms on the Djembe drum?
The popularity of the West African djembe has allowed me to have success as a teacher not only at LTCC, but with independent classes I offer in the Reno/Carson/Truckee areas. It is incredible how many people want to learn and play the djembe! I am happy to provide the basic skills and knowledge to all who are willing to learn. However, it must be understood that eventually, in order to grasp the full experience and flavor of the djembe or dunun drums, one must study from a Master drummer from Africa. I do my best to continue to study with Master drummers Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate.
In Africa, the djembe is called the “unity drum” because of its ability to draw people together in communal happiness. I encourage others to learn these rhythms and hold respect for the culture that is so rich in tradition surrounding the djembe drum. When the individual voices of these rhythms are woven together, the harmony and polyrhythms created are moving and inspirational.
Acknowledging my teachers
Because I am a teacher, I feel it is only respectful to acknowledge where my learning and influences have come from. I have either learned directly from the drummers listed below by attending their classes or indirectly by purchasing their instructional material. I am very grateful for all of their teachings.
West African Djembe & Dunun
Mamady Keita
Famoudou Konate
Mabiba Baegne
Greg Fletcher
Bolokada Conde
William Dinwoodie
Mailly Tagbe
Abdoul Doumbia
Moussa Traore
Abdoulaye Diakite
Afro-Cuban Conga
Jorge Bermudez
Dann Sherrill
Giovanni Hidalgo
Riqq - Middle Eastern frame drum
Layne Redmond
Yousif Sheronick
Drum set
Steve Gadd
John Bonham
Bernard Purdie
David Garibaldi
Dave Weckl
Carter Beauford