Drumming can be used as a tool to teach many life and coping skills, and can provide a positive and creative outlet while acting as a vehicle for self-expression and emotional release in a safe space.

Grief Work

 My grandfather was always a reliable father figure, stepping in when my home life was broken. At the end of his life, as he lay in his hospital bed, I brought in one of my drums to play when words were no longer the best way for me to communicate.

My drum has always been  a place where I could escape into a world where the limitations of words aren't present. My drum helped me process my grief.  People at the hospital began to ask me to play for them and their ailing relatives. I realized that my grandfather, in his final days, was guiding me to what I consider my most important work. 

Since 2007, I've been teaching drumming as a tool of healing and expression for grieving children across the United States at the Moyer Foundation's Camp Erin and Camp Mariposa.    

Education

Teaching has been an important part of my personal and creative grown. When I was a kid I had lot of anger and confusion from growing up with a father who was addicted to drugs. I liked to hit things to release my anger. I learned very quickly that the drum was one of the few things I could hit and be productive not destructive.  

Through hands on workshops and  performances I give students tools to express their emotions and develop their unique creativity. I teach that drumming is a way to have a conversation, to listen and collaborate. 

Since 2003, I have been teaching drumming and drum making and performing in schools, community centers and after school programs.   

Performance

In the year 2000, after years of  intensive drum training in the U.S., Cuba and Brazil I took a leap of faith and quit my day job to become a professional musician.  

Performing professionally ensures that my skills as a musician stay sharp and that I bring classrooms and young audiences the same quality of music that paying concert goers expect. 

I'm a member of the renowned Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra and Brazilian music band Alô Brasil. Through these groups I continue to learn and evolve as an artist and maintain a practice in which my performance and teaching work feed each other. 

Team Building/Professional Development

Every organization and company has its own rhythm. During my professional development workshops I facilitate drumming activities. These activities encourage independent creativity as well as team and community building.

Participants learn communication skills and gain a new perspective on collaboration. While drumming, titles and status get thrown out the window and everyone is equal in the circle contributing to the creation of something new and unique.  Drumming is also a tool for relieving stress, relaxation, and fun!!

​My professional development workshops create space for employees to learn skills and build unity while having fun and interacting in an energizing environment.