I did not set out to become a freelance drummer. In middle school, I played along to Van Halen and punk rock albums, and I envisioned being in an alternative rock band. However, when I turned 15, I began taking drumset lessons with Tommy Igoe. He showed me a whole other side of drumming. The “side guy.” Touring, doing recording sessions, drum clinics, teaching. He’d invite me to his shows in New York City, and we’d hang out before and after his gigs. I got to see the working-man’s side of music. Not necessarily the MTV rock star life. It helped me transition from student to professional, without having to wait for that one “big break.” Little by little, one gig at a time.

There was not a defining moment in which I chose to be a professional freelance drummer. I just fell in love with drums, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my time! The rest happened by accident.