I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and started playing the drums in the 3rd grade when I was nine years old. I wanted to play left-handed, but the teacher said, “NO! You can’t play that way!” So, I never really learned how to hold my sticks properly, which is why I continue to play closed-handed to this day.

My parents bought me my first drum set from Toys R Us. I was so disappointed because it wasn’t a “real set.” Then, on my 15th birthday, I walked into my house and I was so surprised.  I flew across the room and sat down at my first “real set.”  My parents had bought me a silver Slingerland 5-piece set. I was so excited.

I started taking lessons at the local music store. I was not a fan of doing rudiments. I just wanted to play to music. So, after three months, I asked the instructor to teach me “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd. What he told me has stayed with me my entire life. He said, “Make the song your own. Add to it or take stuff out. Just play to the integrity of the beat.” I quit taking lessons after learning that song.

In the mid-’80s, I was really into heavy metal and the local Los Angeles music scene. So, I purchased my “dream come true” drum set. It was an 8 Piece, Double Bass, Jet Black Tama.

In my late teens, I sold my dream set and moved out independently. Over the next 30 years, I hardly played. I do have a buddy I jam with once in a while, but it just wasn’t frequent enough.

In 2019 my personal life changed, and I moved into a condo. I woke up one day and said, “I need to play!” I had always been reluctant to play on an electric set, but I just had to play for the emotional value I get out of playing. And there was no way I could have an acoustic set. So, I purchased my first electronic set, which a used Roland TD12. I recently spoiled myself and purchased a brand new drum set. The Roland VAD-506. It’s an electric set with an acoustic design. It’s badass! I love it!

Then the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, and I found myself on TikTok. I finally got up the courage and posted the first video of me playing the drums to “Calling All Angels” by Train. Someone commented, “I wanna learn.” I replied to their comment with a 59 second tutorial on how to play a 4-4 beat. I woke up that next morning to my first viral hit with nearly 100k views. I was so excited. I was never really into social media, but now I am.

As my following continued to grow, I started going Live. My first live had only four people. I was so nervous, and it showed in my playing. Now, over a year later, my lives have hit in upwards of 1,700 people, and my drumming has definitely improved.

We began to call my friends and followers “The Drum Fam” because we are all family. I feel very close to so many people. I have to say, I have the best moderators on TikTok. We share the same values and passion for music. They are always willing to help me with whatever is needed. They have my back and love the Drum Fam as much as I do.

Music and drumming is my passion. It fills my heart and moves my soul. I don’t read music. I play with my heart and by ear. I am all about love and positivity! We are all here to support each other. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Peace, Love & Drums!

Vintage