🎵 The Day the Drums Found Me – A True Story 🎵

Many, many years ago—before iPads, before TikTok—I was a super energetic kid. I mean really energetic. I played sports, ran around with my friends, and was always moving. I could never sit still… until I discovered something that changed my life.

You see, my dad loved music—especially big band jazz and Motown. If a drummer was playing something cool on the radio, he’d turn up the volume and say, “Now that’s a drummer!” I didn’t know it then, but that was my first spark.

One day, I grabbed a pair of sticks (okay, maybe they were pencils) and started playing on a pillow in my bedroom. In my head, I wasn’t in a room—I was on a huge stage, playing in front of thousands of cheering fans. That pillow was my first drum!

My parents noticed I wasn’t just making noise—I was making music. So they surprised me with my very first drum set! I still remember my dad saying, “In a few months, those drums will be collecting dust.”Well… guess what? He was wrong. 😎

I played every single day. For hours and hours. I was mostly self-taught, learning by watching and listening. I took a few lessons here and there, but the drums became my best friend.

By the 8th grade, I was already playing in school bands, and later, I marched in my high school marching band—Go Commodores! After high school, I played in different bands and churches all across Southeast Virginia. Every stage I played on felt just as exciting as that pillow in my bedroom.

Some of my favorite drummers are:

• Steve Smith

• Sheila E.

• Buddy Rich

• Neil Peart

• Max Roach

• Phil Collins

• Dave Weckl… and many more!

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I love all kinds of music: rock, jazz, funk, gospel, fusion, pop—you name it. I believe drums belong in every kind of song.

Now, I teach drums. I’m tough (because I want you to be great), but I’m also patient (because we all start somewhere). I believe every student can become a great drummer with practice and heart—just like I did.

So if you’ve ever tapped on a desk, banged a beat on a table, or dreamt of making music… maybe the drums are calling you, too.