Bongo with Johnathan A.

I'm a drummer from a little town in New Mexico. I've had recording, performing and teaching experience since I was in high school and graduated from Los Angeles College of Music with an A.A in Drum Performance. I also studied Music Education for a year at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. My early music experience involves playing for my high school choir as well as leading worship in churches. I also played in local bars and pubs. In terms of drums I was completely self taught until college and also picked up other instruments on the side like guitar, bass and ukelele. The music I played ranged from CCM all the way to indie rock and punk as well as world music and classic rock n roll. My fondest music memories growing up were nights like playing Brown Eyed Girl in a old railroad cafe or playing John Mayer at a rodeo. Once I graduated high school I knew I wanted to learn music theory so I spent my first year studying music education at Whitworth. Even though academics weren't my favorite thing I learned a lot and took those lessons to LA a year later. I would encourage anyone pursuing music to work in Los Angeles. I made the best connections and lifelong friendships there and never had a dull day. I played shows and recorded with friends and even taught a drumline in Hollywood. I've attended and performed at places like NAMM, Comic Con and MUSEXPO in Hollywood. All of my teachers at LACM were working musicians as well. Some of the people I studied under includes Ralph Humphrey, Joey Heredia and Russ Miller. In my lessons I always take a practical approach and build my lessons around the student. If you want to learn metal music, I will teach you how to function in a band setting and play fast. If you want to learn how to read charts, I have many books that I can recommend and teach out of. I hope that all my students can strive to learn discipline but also remember that music is a communication and conversation tool.