>San Diego Drum Lessons – Update January 2011

In October/November 2010, I once again had the privilege of working with the San Diego Junior Theater on their four week production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. This show really seemed to catch the imagination of San Diego theater enthusiasts – every show was sold out. (That’s 700 seats per show – very impressive). Musically, this was a good challenge for me. For the Fame production in the Summer, the Musical Director, Richard Morrison, was also playing piano/keyboards, and as such, there was not a lot of conducting cues to follow. Willy Wonka was a very different show. With Richard conducting an orchestra consisting of drums/percussion (me!), upright bass, two pianos, cello, violin, trumpet, French horn, clarinet, trombone and oboe – this was a very different approach to the full on rock/pop show from the Summer! As usual, I had a great time, learned a lot (which is always the main thing), and met some fantastic local San Diego Musicians.

Unfortunately, I had to turn down the March production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It is a super fun show from what I have heard, but there is a tuned percussion part in there that I am not confident with. (I am a drum set player primarily, not a percussionist). However, this has prompted me to fulfil another ambition for 2011 – to learn the piano. (it really helps with tuned percussion!). So, as a little Christmas gift to myself, I purchased a Yamaha CP33 Stage Piano, and I started lessons in the first week of January. As a drummer and being used to drum notation, I am not used to reading bass and treble clef music, so it is a real challenge, and I am enjoying every second (although I am sure it will come with it’s frustrations!). It is also a useful experience for me to be back in the role of student for change.

2011 looks like it is going to be a great year. I am hoping to work more in local San Diego theater – and I am excited to be working with Marie Haddad on her up-coming 2011 album release. There will be some live shows that go with this – and Marie just recently did her first show in New York City – so congratulations Marie! I will post any live dates on my brand spanking new website at the end of the month.

Thank you 2010 for being a great musical year for me. As well as playing extensively on the local San Diego Music Scene, I played in two theater productions, recorded an album, and saw some amazing live shows. My favorite musical memories of 2010, aside from the above, was being privileged to have seen Elton John with Leon Russell, Norah Jones, Rush, Muse and many more. Above all, I am blessed to teach the drums and make a difference in people’s lives (to some extent, at least) every day of the week. There’s never a dull moment, and I am truly grateful to be able to do what I do.

Drum Lessons are going very well – I still have space. So if you, or anyone you know would like to take drum lessons in San Diego, please do contact me. Thanks for checking in!