I have been a professional performing and teaching musician since 2003. I have taught in several elementary schools as well as Junior Colleges such as American River College, Cosumnes River College and Sacramento City College. I'm am currently an adjunct faculty member at Sacramento City College and I teach for the Applied Music Program there. I work with the Percussion Students who are getting ready to transfer to a four year university. I have studied Tabla in India and at the Ali Akbar College of music in San Rafael, CA. I have also studied at the Drummers Collective in New York, learning from some of the best Jazz players in the world including Ian Froman and Retzlaff.

As a teacher I am flexible and I tailor my lessons to each students specific needs. I have a large private teaching practice (50 students per week) both in person and over Zoom. I focus on technique, relaxation, creativity, sight reading and repertoire. Many of my students go on to become successful musicians. Several of the Colleges in the Sacramento area including American River College, Sacramento City College and Cosumnes River College send their students to study with me so that I can help them prepare for their juries. I also perform a lot with my trio and quartet and and I pass along all the lesson that I have learned as a working musician. Teaching is my passion.

Because I enjoy teaching all ages and skill levels, I think it's important to be able to explain something several different ways. Everybody learns differently and I always keep this in mind when I'm teaching a new concept. I have four points I always stress no matter who I'm teaching, 1) listening to the music and learning the "language" of the specific style or piece you are trying to master. 2) Learning to read the music you are trying to master. 3) Learning to improvise using the "language" of the music you are trying to master. 4) Attending a live performance (or watch a live perforce online) of a master musician or group who is playing the music you are trying to learn.