Professional Music Experience:

20+ years of skill in guitar playing [acoustic and electric]. 15+ years of experience in guitar instruction.
10+ years in recording and live sound.

Musical Accomplishments include:
• Best Guitar Player awards in numerous battle of the bands
• Touring
• CD release

Education:
Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR 2001
Bachelors in Performance and Song Writing
K.L.E. Society, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India 1995
Bachelors in Computer Science

I received my degree from the University of Utah in instrumental music education. Along with specialized training in band and orchestra instruments, I also offer lessons in guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica in playing and performance. When a student has a song they want to learn, I focus lessons around the requested song. I also have an extensive library of songs that I utilize. My music methodology is built around a song book that also has a CD attached. This has proven to be a lot of fun for all my students. It makes practice time more fun as they "play along" with the CD.

I am a full-time working drummer currently residing in Las Vegas. In addition to guiding up and coming drummers with their musical careers, I am working on music & soundtracks for film and television projects with platinum-selling singer/songwriter Mark Slaughter. In addition, I am recording a CD with Los Angeles based hard-rock band "Masque."

In April of this year I was inducted (for the 2nd time!) into the Las Vegas Rock Hall of Fame for my collaboration with "Ripside." I performed at the induction concert with fellow inductees Xcursion (Mark Slaughter, guitar vocals; Kelly Garni, bass guitar). A picture of this performance is included in my "photos & video" section.

Notable mentors include: Irv Kluger, professional jazz drummer. I studied reading and drum set performance. Wally Snow (colleague of Murray Spivack), professional orchestral percussionist. I studied reading and a proprietary, specialized method of classical snare drum performance. Notable students of the...

Raven:

• Nearly thirty years experience in live performance and studio throughout the United States and Europe.

• Product demonstrator and featured performer at NAMM and CES for Carvin, Seymour Duncan, Washburn, B.C. Rich, ADA, and First Act

• Has shared the stage and/or appeared with Allan Holdsworth, Phyllip Bynoe (Steve Vai), Craig Chaquico (Starship), Kelly Garni (Quiet Riot/Randy Rhoads), Lez Warner (The Cult), and Trevor Rabin (Yes), among others.

• Studied Music Theory and Performance at UNLV, and gained national exposure as the guitarist of the UNLV band in nationally televised basketball games during the 1989 - 1991 seasons.

• Has played professionally in a wide range of music, including Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Country, Pop/R&B, Folk, and Classical.

• Released two albums featuring Black Sabbath/Dio drummer, Vinny Appice.

• Performed in the studio for popular Swedish group, Sonic Dream, on...

I HAVE BEEN A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN, COMPOSER, RECORDING ARTIST , MUSIC TEACHER (PIANO, BASS, GUITAR & CELLO) FOR OVER 4-DECADES. I use a "situational approach" in teaching and gear my lessons towards making lessons & Music FUN!!! I stress "collaboration" with all students and build a strong foundation with a goal towards performance and a thorough knowledge regarding theory, harmony, reading skills and self-motivation.

I have multiple music, music therapy and sound technology (studio) certifications from: Kansas State University, State University of New York (New Paltz), Catholic University of Nijmegen (the Netherlands) & UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas). I have an extensive background in individual student teaching as well as group leadership & teaching.