I am a Chicago-based freelance musician and educator. I received my B.A. in Jazz Studies from Elmhurst University in 2019. During that time, and beyond, I was fortunate to learn from, record with, and work professionally outside of a school setting with with some of Chicago’s finest, including Mark Colby, Frank Caruso, Chris Siebold, and the legendary big band educator, Doug Beach. Building close relationships with these extraordinary people led to a seamless transition into my professional career.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with musical greats Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Sean Jones, Doc Severinsen (leader of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show Band), and Byron Stripling - as well as legendary Chicago musicians, such as Mark Colby, Marlene Rosenberg, Jeremy Kahn, Scott Hesse, Scott Burns, Chris Siebold, Roger Ingram (lead trumpet for Ray Charles, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Harry Connick Jr.), and Steve Wiest, at venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club, Jazz Showcase, the Fulton Street Collective, Martyr’s, Reggie’s, and countless others. I have had incredible opportunities to tour across the country with various groups, as well as internationally - in Germany, Poland, Slovakia, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, and the Czech Republic.

As a freelance drummer, I am called upon to play a wide variety of styles, and take a lot of pride in being a “Swiss Army Kinfe” of a musician who is comfortable in a very wide array of styles. I believe that learning the intricacies of and taking influence from as many styles as possible is essential to find your own voice on your instrument., and I emphasize this to my students. Another core belief of mine is that the most important factors to being a successful musician are preparation and attitude. Having a strong technical foundation, doing your homework - A.K.A learning/studying the music, having the right gear for the situation, and showing up in a timely fashion; followed by being a patient, professional, and kind human being that adds passion and energy into any musical setting will lead to great success and will build beautiful personal and musical relationships.

At the moment, I play regularly with the Bryan Eng Trio (jazz), Chris Siebold Trio (jazz fusion), Shout Section Big Band (swing jazz band) Safety Squad (jazz fusion/pop/funk), Skunk (rock/fusion/funk trio) Groupchat (rock/funk), Stephen Parisi Sextet (jazz), Scott DuBose and the 101 Ranch (country), and Aimee Gwen’s Pat Metheny Project (jazz fusion), Reaching Rose (fusion/rock). I also work regularly with Yazz Events, as the drummer for their wedding/corporate band, Heatwave (pop/r&b/funk/covers), and freelance as a drummer for any type of private event.

Teaching is a huge passion of mine, and I have had a studio of 20+ students for most of my time working as a professional. As fun as performing is, getting to share my skills/gifts/expertise that I have accumulated over the years is equally fulfilling. Seeing musical concepts “click” with a student, and witnessing their general confidence and happiness grow from it, is incredibly rewarding. Learning an instrument, performing, and working with your fellow musicians in the moment to create an impactful musical moment, is such a beautiful process that teaches you about yourself in a deep way. Having the opportunity to guide students though that journey brings me immense joy.