Drums with Jack S.

I am a human! Music plays a huge role in my life, but other activities, passions, and relationships are also very important to me. That being said, I’ve devoted a huge portion of my last 14 years to music, so I’d like to share that part of my story with you. I started playing drums when I was nine. I began playing professionally when I was 16, and I taught my first students shortly after that. When I was in high school, I had the privilege of playing at the Peaks Jazz Festival with some amazing guest performers, including Grammy-winning artists like Eric Marienthal, Dave Weckl, Ed Calle, and Randy Brecker. I’ve studied drums formally nearly since I began playing, and have had several wonderful teachers. I’ve combined what I felt were the most positive aspects of my their teaching to form my own teaching approach. Teaching has given me a valuable perspective on the drums and on myself. It’s an ever-changing challenge that I enjoy immensely. I graduated cum laude from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music after studying drum set performance, composition, and music production. While still in college, I formed a jazz trio and started writing original music for us to play. I still perform with this group on a regular basis. I also perform frequently as a sideman in other people’s groups in various genres. I’ve also been fortunate enough to perform at the Kennedy Center and at the Umbria Jazz Festival. In addition to drumming, I also play the piano, write commercial music, and produce electronic music. Like I mentioned before, I’m a human first! Outside of music, I enjoy baking, biking, traveling, and improvisatory acting. I love cookies and puns. If you have any questions about me, feel free to email me at ask by clicking "Ask a Question." Now, enough about me, I’m looking forward to learning about you!