I have studied with Percussion Masters such as Frankie Malabe, John Amira, Bobby Sanabria and Louis Bauzo. I have also done extensive research Afro-Cuban history and instruments such as Congas, Bata, Bongos, Timbales, etc.

I toured with Taylor Swift for two years, Josh Groban for three years, played with Questlove on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, on Saturday Night Live with Jennifer Lopez, with the Roots on David Letterman and with Billy Idol on the Arsenio Hall Show and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

My own sound.

Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Bruno Mars, George Benson

John Coltrane becuase his committment to excellence, spirituality and intensity makes me want to do the same thing.

How to play the nastiest grooves for Pop Music, independence in playing multiple instruments simultaneously and the traditions and many variations that have evolved in Afro-Cuban Music.

I studied at The Drummer's Collective many years with Frankie Malabe I also sudied with John Amira privately I also studied with Louis Bauzo at The Boys Harbor School

I play and endorse: LP Latin Percussion instruments Paise Cymbals, Gongs and Crotales Vic Firth Sticks Remo Synthetic Heads for Congas, Djembes and Bongos. I mainly use these synthetic head when on tour and playing in a lot of outdoor venues in the summer. This way the heads aren't damaged by the elements.

Intense focus and always striving to be the best

I have been teaching in the public schools for many years and love to work with young people.

There are so many wonderful settings that I have been blessed to be a part of but touring with Taylor Swift has to be number one on my list.

John Coltrane - "A Love Supreme"

Staying healthy, enjoying time with my wife and daughter.

Jazz Afro-Cuban Funk Pop R&B

I enjoy teaching from 8 years of age to 95

Michael Brecker Quindectet - "Wide Angles" which won the Grammy for best Instrumental Jazz Album in 2004 Steely Dan - "Two Against Nature" which won the Grammy for Album of The Year in 2001 Nominated in Downbeat Magazine for many years as "Rising Star In the Percussion Category" Screaming Headless Torsos - "Live At The Knitting Factory DVD and CD Plaing with Jennifer Lopez on SNL

I want to continue to educated myself to learn more about music everyday and to inspire my students to dig deep into musical traditions as well.

My album "There Will Be A Day" won the SESAC Award for one of the most played albums on Jazz Radio all over the country. Having Michael Brecker say to me after a week-lomg engagement at the Iridium in NYC that I was the best Percussionist he ever played with. That made my life. Getting to record with Steely Dan on "Two Against Nature" Doing a month-long residency with Bette Midler at Caeser's Palace for her show"The Showgirl Must Go On"

I love my family and I love to read and go to the gym

I teach Congas, Bongos, Timbales, all hand Percussion, Djembe, Udu Drum