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As a professional percussionist, I have performed with some of the world’s top conductors and composers for the past 25 years. My formal studies in Percussion Performance include a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from The Juilliard School as a student of Daniel Druckman, Roland Kohloff and Gordon Gottlieb. During my time at Juilliard, I began playing extra percussion with the LA Phil while freelancing extensively in the New York City classical and Broadway scene. In 2004, I won the Principal Percussion/Assistant Timpani position in the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, the home orchestra for the newly constructed Palau de les Arts, in Valencia, Spain under the direction of Lorin Maazel and Zubin Mehta. While playing in this orchestra I had the opportunity to perform a large portion of the standard opera repertoire and tour Europe and the Middle East.
Presently I perform as the Principal Timpanist with the Canadian Opera Company, Principal Percussionist with the Hamilton Philharmonic, extra percussion with the Toronto Symphony and Guest Principal Timpani and Percussion with the National Arts Center Orchestra. I also have performed extensively with the Los Angeles Philharmonic which included numerous broadcasts and CDs with this world class ensemble as well as international tours of Europe, Asia, North America and Venezuela.
My teaching experience includes serving on the faculty of Pasadena City College as Adjunct Professor of Percussion, where I maintained a studio of nine applied percussion students and taught masterclasses on orchestral repertoire and techniques. I also served as the Assistant Conductor of the orchestra and I have taught and conducted the percussion ensemble. I have also served as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at California State University Los Angeles teaching applied lessons. At Citrus College in Azusa, CA, I taught applied lessons, classical and world percussion techniques classes, as well as directing the Percussion Ensemble. Most recently I have taught at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada Summer festival at Queens University in Kingston.
In addition to my formal percussion conservatory training, I have undertaken extensive research of Afro-Cuban Folkloric Drumming Techniques for 20 years under the tutelage of founding member of the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, Maestro Lazáro Galarraga. My studies have centred around ceremonial Batá drumming and the corresponding Yoruba songs and chants, Congolese Palo drumming and song, and secular styles including Rumba and Són. The pursuit of these genres has led me to pursue more focused study in Cuba to study with revered conga master Yarody Abreu and members of Los Muñequito de Mantanzas.
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Tchaikovsky “The Nutcracker”, with the LA Phil, directed by Gustavo Dudamel.
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Principal Timpani, Deutsche Grammophon, 2018 Gershwin “Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris”, with the LA Phil, directed by Gustavo Dudamel.
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DVD recording, PBS Broadcast, 2015 200 Motels, Frank Zappa, with the LA Phil, directed by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Zappa Records, 2013.
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Shostakovich “Orango, Symphony No. 4” with LA Phil, directed by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Deutsche Grammophon, 2012.
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Mahler Symphony No. 9, with the LA Phil, directed by Gustavo Dudamel, Deutsche Grammophon, 2012.
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Turandot, Giacomo Puccini, with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, directed by Zubin Mehta. Naxos, 2009.
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The Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner, with the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, directed by Zubin Mehta. DVD, Unitel Classical, 2007.
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Antimati Enganga, with Maestro Lázaro Galarraga. Played, sang and co-produced album. 50/50 Records, 2012.
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Soul Shadows, with Denise Donatelli and Geoffrey Keezer. Grammy Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Savant Records, 2012.
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Arthur Krieger, Meeting Places, New York New Music Ensemble. Albany Records, 2003.
I have appeared as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, performing Philip Glass’s Concerto for Two Timpani along side Jason Ginter.
My teaching approach is rooted in the belief that every student possesses unique strengths and challenges. I prioritize assessing each student’s current skill level, learning style, and goals to tailor instruction accordingly. Whether a student aspires to a professional career in classical music, seeks foundational percussion skills for academic success, or aims to specialize in world, pop, or jazz music, I strive to provide resources, opportunities, and structured guidance to support their growth.