Teachers

Chris first started drumming at the ripe old age of five! Given two shortened golf clubs (made to start a golfing career) he instead proceeded to turn over an aluminum wash tub, and beat out his own rhythm in the front yard. A short lived golf career, but the beginning of a life time of creativity behind the traps. 

After a few lessons on guitar, Chris decided to continue his path in music with the drums, acquiring his first drum set that Christmas. Junior high brought the promise of an aspiring musician, and his first  public performance with a rock band in November 1978. Throughout junior high Chris played with school bands. In high school, with a full beard and killer groove, he joined the marching and symphonic bands. Junior year transitioned from school performance to regular local gigs: Uncle Vics, Northcoast performance to regular local gigs: Uncle Vics, Northcoast Tavern, ARS Club and Surfside 6. The culmination of local performances came in 1982. - playing at the Palace Theater with the Leonard Smith Band to promote their first commercial recording under the production of Paul Pope.

Chris's path in music unfolded as he set off for Boston to study at the Berklee School of Music in the area of performance on drum - set. He returned to the Cleveland area, joined Face the Word and D C and the Continentals, and later formed The Piranhas. Chris recorded and produced his own solo album, Pip Dreams and Air Castles in 1992. Over the years he has played with with an eclectic variety of musicians in band in jazz, blues and rock genres such as King of Clubs, Coltrane Wreck, Blue Jazz, Misbehavin, The Dixie Stranglers, The Velvematics and GBR. Chris has opened for such artists as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chuck Berry, Lee Rocker and Joan Jett. Currently Chris is playing with Verve Daddy and Blue Matter. 

Chris has been teaching snare and drum set since High School, both publicly and privately. He spent 5 years in the Clevland Public Schools and decided that he preferred privately teaching. He taught at Ohio Music, Westgate Music, and most recently at Front Street Music for the last seven years. Chris's style is relaxed, attentive & supportive. He challenges new growth in students, while mastering the fundaments of drumming and encouraging creativity/individuality. Though his young/teen students love him, Chris teaches many adults who return, or finally have the time to pursue lessons.