Hello! My name is John, born and raised near Denver, Colorado. I’m a musician, jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and quarter note enthusiast. Ever since I can remember, I knew drumming was what I wanted to do. Nine year old John would help his mom plant flowers, then take the plastic pots and build a little drum set in the grass, (it never sounded all that good…)
I attended the University of Colorado in Boulder for percussion performance, studying with both the classical and jazz department. This dual study allowed me to experience many different styles, bands, orchestras, combos, and musicians - instilling in me the importance of being well rounded as a drummer or percussionist.
In 2021 I went to the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. While there I completed a masters degree, performance diploma, and served as an Associate Instructor in Percussion. Between Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado I was performing an average of 4 times a week while maintaining a busy private studio of students ages 8-80. (Drums is a super fun hobby when you’re retired!)
Who’s this guy?
I’ve been fortunate to have performed alongside such musicians/groups as; Grammy winning Steven Feifke, Tony DeSare, Vienna Light Orchestra, Nikki Naghavi, Greg Ward, Fabian Almazan, Jeff Jenkins, Brad Goode, Brian Casey, Alex Wignall, Michael D’Angelo, David Bernot, Jonathan Saraga, the Boulder Philharmonic, Terre Haute Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, Ballet Indiana, Richmond Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, and many others!
Currently, I am on faculty at Colorado Christian University, Red Rocks Community College, and Community College of Denver. I also maintain a very active freelance schedule including national tours, residency shows, and clinics/masterclasses across the US at various colleges.
Whether you see me teaching or playing, my number one goal is to bring you into a moment of peace, comfort, and fun. (I'll drag you there if I have to!) I’ll never forget the first time I was troubled and the musicians down the block completely flipped my attitude, shifted my perspective, and helped me grow into the kind of musician who’s determined to do the same for others.
(Jeez that was a long winded story-but if you still haven’t had enough I dare you to click on my CV)