Falling in Love with Music

I fell in love with music at 12, when my dad, also a musician, taught me rhythm, timing, and how to trust my natural feel. For years, I played that way, without real lessons and mostly by ear. By 18, I was already on stage with Charlotte legend Lenny Federal, learning what it meant to be a working musician. Those years showed me that music is about groove, connection, and joy.

The Struggle That Almost Made Me Quit

When I got to college, I hit one of the most stressful challenges of my life. My teacher, jazz giant Bill Hanna, asked me to play in the big band. I said yes, but I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t read music at that level and struggled to keep up. At one point, another drummer was brought in to replace me. It was humbling, embarrassing, and for a moment I thought about quitting altogether.

Finding the Right Teacher

That’s when I found Donnie. For the first time, I sat down with a private teacher of my own. Donnie was a phenomenal drummer, a patient mentor, and a working musician. Step by step, he taught me how to read music, break things down, and build the confidence I needed to perform. His lessons transformed me - not just as a drummer, but as a person. That experience made me realize something I’d never considered before: I wanted to become a teacher myself, because I had felt the difference the right teacher can make.

Lessons That Lasted

As I grew, Bill noticed. Our relationship changed completely. He offered me opportunities few students ever received - gigs, mentorship, and even sharing the stage with him. That blend of being pushed to grow, paired with patient guidance, shaped how I teach today.

From Kids to Adults

I carried that philosophy into my years teaching at School of Rock, where kids learned by playing real songs and performing in bands. I saw how fast students grew when they played music they actually enjoyed. Over time, I noticed something else: adults wanted the same thing. Parents would watch their kids and say, “I wish I could do that,” or “I’ve always wanted to play, but I think it’s too late.”

The Setlister Philosophy

That’s when I realized: this wasn’t just for kids. Adults needed this too. And that’s what I now call the Setlister philosophy - lessons built around you. Whether your goal is mastery, fun, or somewhere in between, you’re not just practicing notes. You’re building your personal setlist, the soundtrack of your life, one song at a time.

Why This Matters for You

Because I’m still a gigging musician, performing most weekends and continuing to play with mentors like Lenny, I don’t just teach from a book - I teach from the stage.

And here’s the truth: I know what it feels like to be frustrated, stuck, or ready to quit. I also know what it feels like to break through with the right teacher. You don’t need years of practice or natural talent. You just need the right approach — one that’s tailored to your goals and built around the music you love.

That’s what I want for my students:

• To finally play the songs that light you up.

• To have a creative outlet that melts away stress and builds confidence.

• To share music with your kids or friends and create moments you’ll never forget.

• To build your own personal setlist, your soundtrack, one song at a time.