Some of my earliest memories are of riding in the back seat of my mom’s Toyota, listening to the radio and memorizing the choruses of Wings, The Beatles, and Neil Diamond. I was just a kid passing the time on long car rides. Looking back, though, I sometimes wonder if those hours spent listening, absorbing melodies, and singing along were where my love of music really began. The beginnings of my pursuit to be a professional musician. 

By the time I was nine, I was collecting records of my own. I remember getting ABBA’s Greatest Hits for Christmas and practically wearing out the grooves on my Lloyd’s stereo. My musical tastes eventually grew to include Rush, The Cars, Blondie, Van Halen, and Iron Maiden. My first concert was Bob Seger, followed by Van Halen, Platinum Blonde, and Iron Maiden in 1984. By then, I knew music wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It was what I wanted to do with my life.

I tried my hand at bass guitar for a while, but my fingers had other ideas. I couldn’t quite get those strings to cooperate without buzzing. Then, around the time my family moved into a house for the first time, I saw my opportunity. There was only one thing I wanted: a drum kit.

Bless my mom. She supported the idea, and with her encouragement and a drum teacher who had a structured curriculum, I was hooked.

I started practicing four to six hours a day. Much of that time was spent with a metronome, working through exercises, building technique, and learning to understand time in a way that went far beyond simply keeping a beat. Practice became almost meditative. It taught me discipline, patience, and time management. More importantly, it gave me the confidence that comes from working hard at something and discovering that, with enough dedication, you can become good at it.

Music also gave me something I couldn’t have anticipated: friendships that would last a lifetime.

I began playing live in my early teens and continued studying with teachers who helped shape me as a musician. I took lessons with Dan Bodanis, and later studied with Jim Blackley and Joe Ianuzzi, among others. Each teacher brought a different perspective, and each helped me understand a little more about the instrument, the craft, and the music itself.

Over the years, I recorded in professional studios and toured across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. 

I experienced the camaraderie, the long drives, the late nights, the challenges of performing, and the particular satisfaction of making music with other people. Those experiences became part of who I am, both as a musician and as a person.

I worked at both Just Drums, and Drummer’s Choice in the Mid 90’s to the early 00’s in Toronto. Back then, music shops, were common, and a great place to network amongst like minded musicians. A big shout out goes to Dave Harvey, owner of Drummer’s Choice, and one of the greatest bosses you could have. I learned a great deal about time management, and professionalism from Dave. The shop is no longer, but the great memories and friendships remain. 

Eventually, arthritis and carpal tunnel began to take their toll, forcing me to step back from playing the way I once had. It’s a difficult adjustment when something you’ve devoted so much of your life to is no longer physically possible in the same way.

But music has never really left me.

Today, my relationship with music has evolved. I still listen, explore, discover, and appreciate it. I remain fascinated by the artists who create it, the stories behind the records, and the equipment that allows us to experience it in our own homes. My work as a content creator is another way of staying connected to the thing that has been with me since those childhood rides in the back seat of my mom’s car.

When I think about it, the journey has come full circle. It started with a kid listening to the radio, memorizing choruses, and falling in love with the sound of music. The instruments may have changed, and my role may be different now, but the passion remains.

Music has been a constant in my life. I’m grateful for every note, every lesson, every stage, and every friendship that came with it. And I’m not finished exploring it yet.