I am currently working with autistic individuals using music and musical instruments as a tool. I am the drummer in the Lenny Fuzzy Rankins Band better known as fuzzy and the Bluesman. I also have my own group called Smooth Groove where I drum and sing. I have been playing drums for 40 years and have been singing for just as long. I have been playing professionally for 30 years. I produced Jacob Lusk one of American Idols finalist from last season 2011. I have been a songwriter for most of my life. I Also teach songwriting and I teach how to use recording software (Protools, Logic Pro and Reason.

Not only do I love chess and running marathons, but I also have three degrees in drums and percussion (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate). I have ten years experience as a performer (including playing drums on a GRAMMY nominated album) with orchestras, touring big bands (Jimmy Dorsey, Five-By-Design), professional productions (Carnival Cruise Lines, amusement parks), jazz artists, and rock bands. I have also toured solo as a classical marimbist. Although I have a strong foundation in rudimental and jazz drumming, I also have roots in West African drumming, Cuban and Brazilian styles, and polka.

I have taught percussion lessons, percussion classes for band directors, jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, and drum lines at Kansas State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, The University of Wisconsin Stout, and dozens of high schools. I love all things percussion related, including the history of the instruments and their performance techniques.

Although I was...

I truly enjoy teaching and have many years of experience teaching students of all levels and ages.

I try to teach my students how important it is to listen to themselves play. When appropriate, I bring a guitar or bass (depending on the student's need) and help the student learn how drums relate to the rest of the music. I want all of my students to enjoy playing and want them to have music as a tool for life: one that helps them express themselves, think creatively, learn specific and technical skills, and grow as humans. I believe that all people can benefit from learning to play an instrument. If you or your child believe that music can provide a new way to find meaning and joy in life while learning a valuable skill, please contact me.

In addition, I have successfully taught many students who have had trouble in school due to lack of motivation and/or learning disabilities. Drum/percussion lessons have reawakened these discouraged students' desire to learn and I am happy...