I've played piano, drums and percussion for over 30 years. I'm a DMA candidate (percussion performance) at Rutgers University (NJ). I have a Bachelor of Music Degree from University of Alberta (Canada), a Drumset Performance Certificate from Grant MacEwan College (Canada) and a Master of Music Degree from Rutgers (NJ).

I've taught private lessons on piano, drums and percussion for over 10 years. I've held positions as Head Teacher, piano teacher and percussion teacher at the Academy of Music on Main Street (Spotswood), Percussion Instructor and Director of Percussion Ensembles at the Pingry School (Martinsville), and Percussion Co-ordinator for the NJ All-State High School Orchestra.

I've been playing percussion professionally with various orchestras for over 19 years. I've performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and the Rutgers Summerfest Orchestra. I currently perform as Principal Percussionist with the Bravura Symphony, the Monmouth Symphony and the Manalapan Symphony, and as Principal Timpanist with the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra.

The comments I get most from my students and their parents are related to my patience and my attention to detail. I think any student learns best when he/she is relaxed and feels safe to play with expression and make mistakes. I try to put my students at ease by having all lessons at the students' houses, and keeping a very calm atmosphere in the lessons. At the same time, I think it's essential that the student learn theory and technique in addition to repertoire, and I won't move ahead from a concept until I'm confident that it has been mastered.

You can find student testimonials on my website (www.smartinmusicstudio.com). I can also provide more references on request.

All of my students have the option to perform in my annual studio recital and to take Royal American Conservatory examinations.

Students of all ages and ability levels are welcome.