Available to hire
I am an enthusiastic musician and educator with more than ten years of experience in recording, performing, and teaching. I have developed a significant profile as a performer, including associations with high-profile pop and R&B artists, as well as important figures in jazz. I excel as a performer, programmer, composer, arranger, and lecturer, and possess leadership skills necessary for teaching classes of any size as well as independent study.
With thorough knowledge and real-world experience in the music industry, I am proficient with music software such as Finale, Digital Performer, and Reason. My career spans various roles from adjunct professor and private instructor to drummer and musical director, performing and recording with a wide array of notable artists and at prominent music festivals around the world.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Japanese
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Work Experience
Adjunct Professor at Los Angeles City College
January 1, 2020 - PresentApplied drum set instruction; coached Commercial Music Chamber ensembles in Pop, R&B, Jazz, and Jazz Fusion; co-directed Latin Jazz Ensemble.
Private Lesson Instructor at West Coast Music Academy
January 1, 2013 - PresentProvided private drum set instruction for students of all ages and skill levels; coached students in pop and rock drumming vocabulary, phrasing, technique, and practice regimens.
Music Instructor at Music Performance Academy
December 31, 2013 - August 28, 2025Taught college-level Rhythm Analysis lectures; facilitated monthly performance workshops critiquing techniques and jam session etiquette; provided private drum set instruction to Japanese college-age students covering various drumming genres and vocabulary.
Part Time Jazz Combo Coach at Harvard-Westlake High School
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025Directed four sections of jazz combos ranging from novice to intermediate, coaching elements of jazz and swing feel, phrasing, and group cohesiveness.
Music Instructor at The School of Arts and Enterprise
December 31, 2007 - August 28, 2025Taught Introduction to Music Theory, Introduction to Piano, and History of Rock classes for high school students.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at Northern Illinois University
December 31, 2005 - August 28, 2025Taught undergraduate jazz combo groups, coordinated jazz combo festival, created weekly performance outlets, and taught History of Jazz classes for music majors and non-majors.
Teaching Assistant at North Carolina Central University
December 31, 2003 - August 28, 2025Assisted music production instructor by teaching recording concepts lecture and studio lab classes.
Drummer/Programmer at Raphael Saadiq
January 1, 2020 - PresentPerformed as drummer and programmer for Raphael Saadiq, an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer known for his extensive collaborations in pop, R&B, and soul music.
Drummer at New Kids On The Block
December 31, 2019 - August 28, 2025Performed as drummer on the Mix Tape Tour for the American boy band known for multi-platinum success.
Drummer/Programmer at Everlast
December 31, 2019 - August 28, 2025Drummer and programmer for American musician and rapper known for blending hip hop with rock and blues.
Drummer at Dave Koz and Friends Cruise
December 31, 2018 - August 28, 2025Performed as drummer for annual jazz cruise hosted by smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz.
Drummer/Programmer at Niia Bertino
December 31, 2018 - August 28, 2025Performed drums and programming for Niia Bertino, an acclaimed American singer and pianist.
Drummer at Engelbert Humperdink
December 31, 2015 - August 28, 2025Performed drums for English pop singer known globally for his hit singles and over 150 million records sold.
Musical Director at Paige Bryan
December 31, 2014 - August 28, 2025Served as musical director for singer and performer Paige Bryan.
Drummer/Programmer at Jessy J.
January 1, 2014 - PresentCurrent drummer and programmer for Jessy J., a renowned contemporary jazz saxophonist and composer.
Drummer/Programmer at Nikka Costa
January 1, 2014 - PresentCurrent drummer and programmer for funk, soul, and blues singer Nikka Costa.
Drummer/Percussion at Lee DeWyze
December 31, 2012 - August 28, 2025Drummer and percussionist for American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze.
Drummer/Programmer at Macy Gray
December 31, 2011 - August 28, 2025Drummer and programmer for Grammy Award-winning R&B and soul singer Macy Gray.
Drummer/Programmer at V.V. Brown
December 31, 2010 - August 28, 2025Drummer and programmer for English singer-songwriter and model V.V. Brown.
Drummer/Percussion at Tamar Kaprelian
December 31, 2010 - August 28, 2025Drummer and percussionist for pianist and singer Tamar Kaprelian during early career phases.
Drummer/Programmer at Norman Brown
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025Drummer and programmer for Grammy award-winning smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown.
Drummer/Musical Director at Impromp2
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025Drummer and musical director for Los Angeles-based Soul Group Impromp2 with prestigious performance credits.
Drummer at Cindy Bradley
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025Drummer for smooth jazz trumpeter Cindy Bradley.
Drummer at Gail Johnson
December 31, 2009 - August 28, 2025Drummer for smooth jazz pianist and musical director Gail Johnson.
Drummer at Breakestra
December 31, 2008 - August 28, 2025Drummer for the funk orchestra Breakestra based in Los Angeles.
Drummer/Programmer at Aly & A.J.
December 31, 2008 - August 28, 2025Drummer and programmer for the pop rock band consisting of sisters Aly and AJ Michalka.
Drummer/Musical Director at Ashley Parker Angel
December 31, 2006 - August 28, 2025Drummer and musical director for pop rock singer-songwriter Ashley Parker Angel with chart success.
Drummer/Programmer at Who's Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band
January 1, 2005 - PresentTouring drummer and programmer performing songs and dance routines of Michael Jackson for 15 years.
Drummer at Carnival Cruise Lines
December 31, 2002 - August 28, 2025Performed drums as member of Alexis Cole Jazz Quartet on the Carnival Victory cruise liner.
Education
Master of Music at Northern Illinois University
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005Bachelor of Music at North Carolina Central University
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2001Bachelor of Arts in Music at North Carolina Central University
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2001Qualifications
Graduate Scholarship through The Liberace Foundation
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005Merit Award - Intercollegiate Music Association Honors Band
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 1999North Carolina Central University Marching Band Scholarship
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1998Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality
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