Instrument: Percussion & Theory
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Cost: Sliding Scale (contact instructor)
Bio: Composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, educator, and independent recording artist. Harvard Teaching Assistant with Professor Luise Vosgerchian (mid-1980’s); earned student votes for a Certificate for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduates from the Harvard-Danforth Center for Learning. Harvard B.A., magna cum laude: multi-disciplinary major in The Psychology and Aesthetics of Music, sponsored by Professor Rudolf Arnheim and augmented by M.I.T.’s Professor Jeanne Bamberger. Cello in College Concerto Orchestras with Yo-Yo Ma as soloist. Audited Harvard Graduate Opera Seminar with Leonard Bernstein. Ten years of percussion studies after college, including Senegalese traditional drumming with Ibrahima Camara in Cambridge and Senegal, and jazz drum studies with Alan Dawson and Illinois Jacquet. Jazz Quartet recording, with (Grammy-sharing) Don Braden ‘85, listed in “Top Ten Picks” of 2004 on the San Francisco/Bay Area’s main jazz radio station; 30 years of jazz drums and multi-instrumental engagements with twice Academy Award-nominated film and opera composer/pianist Mary Watkins. Fifteen years of multi-genre compositions and recordings inspired by readings and the work of award-winning Radcliffe Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, poet, Linda Pastan ‘54. As a Harvard-trained music professional filled with gratitude for the meaningful support I received from former Director, Myra Mayman and the OFA, I return as past recipient of Music Lesson Subsidies and numerous sizeable grants for innovative jazz projects at OFA. I feel moved at this time to offer direct support to students in their college music life. Even in the pandemic, we can provide each other with great experiences at Harvard. As an Alum, as well as a past Harvard teaching assistant, I am available online or by phone as a fellow musician, for consulting, ongoing practice coaching, listening, feedback, formal private or semi-private music instruction or tutoring online, performance coaching, career thoughts, and any other musical issues that might arise.
Transportation to Instructor: Online, with annual visits by instructor