Drums with Daniel S.

I am currently earning my M.A in musicology at Hunter College and have been studying, teaching, and performing in NYC since 2002. My musical training really took off when I was awarded the Lundquist International Fellowship in 2001. This supported a year of study in Ghana, West Africa, and inspired me to continue my musical training at a professional level when I returned home to NY. Upon returning, my interest in jazz grew immensely and I studied diligently with drummers Vinnie Sperrazza and Dan Weiss, and vibraphonist Tommy Mattioli. After years of intensive study and performing I began teaching in 2010. I have toured the U.S multiple times with different ensembles and also compose my own music for quintet. I absolutely love teaching and will be applying to PhD programs next year to further this wonderful endeavor. I feel fortunate to have been taught the lineage and progression of Western drumming from its African roots to its current manifestations in jazz and rock music. It is my honor to take students through the stages of practice that so many of the greats went through, while also demonstrating newer techniques and concepts as the styles evolve. It is my sincere pleasure to share this excellent art form.