I was born in the state of Tennessee in 1992 and have lived there since. I began my musical journey as a percussionist in the sixth grade. My affinity for music began after playing percussion for about four years. I was fortunate to have a music teacher in high school who was relentless and pushed his students to become the best they could be as musicians and human beings. Ever since then, he has become a figure that I wish to model my teaching and musicianship after.
Starting from about eighth grade, I began looking for a private instructor to help lead me in being a better percussionist. Due to my location, this was no easy task. Finally after years of searching, through a connection from performing in the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, I briefly found myself under the tutelage of Matt Jordan. In my Junior year, I was able to receive lessons from another MTSU graduate, David Walker, who taught me for a year. Then, for my Senior year, I received instruction under Julie Davila and received a few lesson from her husband, Lalo Davila. All of these instructors have assisted me in my progress in the art of percussion and helped lead me towards a personal style.
Starting from about eighth grade, I began looking for a private instructor to help lead me in being a better percussionist. Due to my location, this was no easy task. Finally after years of searching, through a connection from performing in the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, I briefly found myself under the tutelage of Matt Jordan. In my Junior year, I was able to receive lessons from another MTSU graduate, David Walker, who taught me for a year. Then, for my Senior year, I received instruction under Julie Davila and received a few lesson from her husband, Lalo Davila. All of these instructors have assisted me in my progress in the art of percussion and helped lead me towards a personal style.
It was being under the instruction of Julie Davila that lead me to attend the Department of Music at the University of Tennessee at Martin under the instruction of Dr. Julie Hill. Through her teaching, I have learned how to become a better teacher while enhancing my performance in percussion. Through my experiences I have become well adversed in a multitude of world styles ranging from the Americas , Africa, and the Middle East. Within this program, I continued my education in the Classical realm of music, but also expanded my vocabulary into the culture of Popular music.
I have performed with many different ensembles including the UTM Jazz Band, UTM Wind Ensemble, UTM Percussion Ensemble, and the Syncron Duo and have received the Nancy Matheson Award . Also I have performed with famous artist in our field such as Andy Harnsburger and Micheal Burritt.
I have performed with many different ensembles including the UTM Jazz Band, UTM Wind Ensemble, UTM Percussion Ensemble, and the Syncron Duo and have received the Nancy Matheson Award . Also I have performed with famous artist in our field such as Andy Harnsburger and Micheal Burritt.