My parents bought my first set of drums for me in third grade. It was a 3 piece kit (that I still own) with an MX 1000 bottom hi hat cymbal attached to the kick. They were played every now again for a few years until I heard Guns N’ Roses “Welcome to The Jungle” then it happened: Music and drumming became the most important thing in my life.

My first kit and lessons were found at Oceanside Music Long Island, N.Y. My first teacher was more a pianist/guitarist then a drummer, but after getting me able to play a bit, he would bring in guitars and I would play along. My second teacher was Jack Ferrara; he was one of the greatest influences on me. He got me inspired; I started playing constantly under his guide and he was a great friend to me growing up at a time when no other kids my age understood who I was.

I got my second kit for Christmas in 1990. It was also around this time that I started playing in my first bands. Local clubs were pretty into live music at this point and we played everywhere on the weekends. This was when I first fell in love with the rush of playing live.

In high School I learned some theory and how to read music. Learning to read music opened endless doors to books, lessons, rhythmical understanding and being able to write my own patterns. After high School I took some lessons at Drummers Collective in N.Y.C with Kim Plainfield and Studied classical music at Nassau Community College in L.I. with Mike Osrowitz, who was a great teacher and friend who helped me both musically and personally. The course of study at college was geared toward pitched instruments and the study of harmony. Tympani, marimba, vibes, xylophone, and rudimental snare drum were the main focus along with keyboard skills and singing. During these years I had also been studying with Joe Morello, Jo Jo Mayer, and Fred Klatz. Fred most likely had the biggest impact on my development. He made studying fun at a time when I felt horrible about my skills. Learning and making time to practice have always been important to me. I try to practice everyday between sessions or dates. There are always new things to work on or old things to polish, it's endless what is possible, and how much there is to do if you look.

These experiences have given me the knowledge and confidence to set out as an independent, and test my abilities. The path has led to sessions, tours, T.V spots, radio interviews, articles in national magazines,web casts,and endorsements from Drum Workshop drums, Vater drum sticks and Sabian Cymbals. The ride has been incredible, and I can't wait to see what happens next.........................