It’s April. Isn’t school about to break for summer? Well, yes and no. At Musicians Institute in Hollywood we don’t have summer breaks. We have 11 weeks of school and then 2 weeks of break. Sounds pretty bad doesn’t it? It’s not really and I’ll tell you why.

Music 

The beauty of teaching at a music school, especially an esteemed school like Musicians Institute, is that we get to play and create music all day long. With many, many other great musicians. My boss, Tim Pedersen, was my teacher when I attended MI. He has had more influence on me as a musician than all of my other teachers combined (and I have had some great teachers). Now I get to work with him on a daily bases teaching classes and continuing to learn. Plus I blame him when I have a bad day playing! :0 Just kidding.

I also get to work with many of my peers that I have spent the last 10 years wishing I would get a chance to play with. Like Ernesto Homeyer whom I now have a studio and production company (Abrasive Productions) with. We have also released two records as the band EGH. We now have a new band (new record coming this summer!) with someone else we both met through working at MI, Brian “Hacksaw” Williams. Brian is one of the best singers and writers I have ever worked with. He also works with us at the production company. Tita Hutchison is another fabulous singer that I get to work with a lot. We have played together for many, many years (I’m really not that old) and she is someone I met working at MI too. I could go on an on. There are just that many good players.

But besides professional relationships I have built through MI I also enjoy working with the students. Every 6 months we get a new group and they are excited to be there. And why not? The journey they will embark on at MI will most likely be one of the most exciting of their careers and last a lifetime. It was for me. It’s also exciting see so many people are still interested and excited about learning music. No matter what instrument they play. Not all will go on to have successful careers but they all have one thing in common, a love for music.

MI is just a part of the many things I do but it is definitely a big part. And besides, I get to play drums all day, record in the studio, be the loudest person in the building (and not get in trouble!) and then go to my studio and do the same thing.

All in all life is pretty good. And with music it just keeps getting better and better!

Until next time Keep It Live & Loud!