I was lucky enough to have been born into a musical family. Both Mom and Dad were graduates of Manhattan School of Music with Masters in Music Education. Growing up in Union NJ,I enrolled in the Township's Summer Music School in 1974 where I couldn't wait to start playing the drums. By 1977,I had made my first Region II Band on snare drum,followed by Region II Orchestra in 1978,and Region II Jazz Ensemble in 78,79,and 82. I also started sitting in on my Dad's gigs,and playing with all the local cats in every garage and basement we could find. In 1983,I also made the NJ Youth Symphony on tympani.
Upon graduation at UHS in 1983,I received a scholarship in the name of Danny Gottlieb,the great drummer from Union who at the time was playing with Pat Metheny. That scholarship entitled me to 2 years worth of lessons with the legendary Joe Morello. From there it was on to Manhattan School of Music,where I studied with Percussionists Paul Price and Fred Hinger. The next year,I transferred to William Paterson College and studied with Horacee Arnold. I also performed in the WPC Latin Jazz Ensemble and got to play with saxophonist Gary Bartz.
From May 2007 till May 2008,I was in charge of the Jazz Wednesdays at the 46 Lounge in Totowa,NJ. Every week was a blast,as I got the chance to play with all the top players from in and around NYC. Some of the musicians that I worked with at the club were: Ralph Bowen,Vic Juris,Bob Mintzer,Steve LaSpina,Paul Bollenback,Walt Weiskopf,Mike Richmond,Donny McCaslin,Melvin Sparks,Bob DeVos,Harvie S,Dave Stryker,Harry Allen,Andy Fusco,Jimmy and Jerry Vivino,Joe Magnarelli,Mark Sherman,Jim Rotondi,Dave Schnitter,Don Braden,BD Lenz,John Ragusa,Rob Paparozzi and The Hudson River Rats,and most recently the incredible guitarist Oz Noy. I've also worked with Gerry Niewood,John Tropea,Howard Levy,and Armen Donelian. I am currently taking lessons from another drum master,Adam Nussbaum.Don Guinta w/Jerry Vivino,Ed Alstrom and Mike Merritt
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