BIOGRAPHY IN BRIEF
I grew up in Australia listening to Pop and Rock music, and spent quite a few years playing in different bands gaining performance experience along the way. The day came when I decided to follow the path of going deep into learning the Art of Drumming. So in 1998, I began a five year Jazz Drumming study at the Queensland Conservatory, where I was also introduced to Latin Music, particularly coming from Colombia. In that same year, 1998, I began my career as a drum teacher. 2023, is my 25th Anniversary of teaching! That's Cool :-)
After graduating in 2002, with a Bmus - Specialised Performance Degree, I continued to play professionally in a variety of bands playing different styles of music: Rock, Jazz, Funk and Latin. It was common to play three to six gigs per week in Australia. I was also teaching twice a week in the drum school. Life was very exciting!
In 2004, I arrived in The Netherlands and began my two year Masters of Music - Latin Drumming & Percussion study, at the Rotterdams Conservatory (Codarts). This course was a Latin Music Study. I made a huge decision at the beginning of this course and chose to concentrate on Percussion instruments, instead of the drum kit. For me, this study was very intense, and very confronting. Luckily, I had the wonderful support of my Conservatory student friends and teachers, who really encouraged me to be patient and keep going. They introduced me to music from Cuba, Brazil and the Americas (North and South). The new instruments I experienced were: Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Bata, Shekere, Pandiero, Caixia, Surdo, Ciaxixi, Cajon, Shakers and many instruments that rattled.
During my study, and after my graduation in The Netherlands, I continued to teach, and I have aimed to share my knowledge of music with all of my drum students. I am very aware of the difficulties people can have when learning an instrument and therefore I adopt a very patient, supporting approach to everyone's learning progress. As my teachers told me: be patient and keep going. I say the same too, take it slow, put a little bit of energy into your goals everyday and you will reach them when the time comes. Playing music is something that ignites your inner soul, and for me, being able to share that with with drummers and musicians alike, is a wonderful opportunity that we should all experience.
Naturally my performances were spread throughout Holland, and reached into Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, etc. These performances, were ranging from Cafes, Bars, Clubs, Theatres, Concert Halls and Festivals.
Upon returning to Australia, I returned to my hometown of Brisbane, where I spent four years, touring & teaching.
Being in Melbourne, since January 2018, I continue to share my knowledge and experience, by assisting other musicians develop their craft too. My focus as a Professional Musician, is to perform skilfully, creatively and musically. As a Professional Teacher, I wish to share these skills with other drummers & percussionists, all towards the goal of "speaking freely" through the instruments.
Thank you for showing interest in Melbourne Drum Lessons, and also for your enthusiasm towards the “Art of Drumming”.
Sincerely,
Stephen C.
After graduating in 2002, with a Bmus - Specialised Performance Degree, I continued to play professionally in a variety of bands playing different styles of music: Rock, Jazz, Funk and Latin. It was common to play three to six gigs per week in Australia. I was also teaching twice a week in the drum school. Life was very exciting!
In 2004, I arrived in The Netherlands and began my two year Masters of Music - Latin Drumming & Percussion study, at the Rotterdams Conservatory (Codarts). This course was a Latin Music Study. I made a huge decision at the beginning of this course and chose to concentrate on Percussion instruments, instead of the drum kit. For me, this study was very intense, and very confronting. Luckily, I had the wonderful support of my Conservatory student friends and teachers, who really encouraged me to be patient and keep going. They introduced me to music from Cuba, Brazil and the Americas (North and South). The new instruments I experienced were: Congas, Bongos, Timbales, Bata, Shekere, Pandiero, Caixia, Surdo, Ciaxixi, Cajon, Shakers and many instruments that rattled.
During my study, and after my graduation in The Netherlands, I continued to teach, and I have aimed to share my knowledge of music with all of my drum students. I am very aware of the difficulties people can have when learning an instrument and therefore I adopt a very patient, supporting approach to everyone's learning progress. As my teachers told me: be patient and keep going. I say the same too, take it slow, put a little bit of energy into your goals everyday and you will reach them when the time comes. Playing music is something that ignites your inner soul, and for me, being able to share that with with drummers and musicians alike, is a wonderful opportunity that we should all experience.
Naturally my performances were spread throughout Holland, and reached into Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, etc. These performances, were ranging from Cafes, Bars, Clubs, Theatres, Concert Halls and Festivals.
Upon returning to Australia, I returned to my hometown of Brisbane, where I spent four years, touring & teaching.
Being in Melbourne, since January 2018, I continue to share my knowledge and experience, by assisting other musicians develop their craft too. My focus as a Professional Musician, is to perform skilfully, creatively and musically. As a Professional Teacher, I wish to share these skills with other drummers & percussionists, all towards the goal of "speaking freely" through the instruments.
Thank you for showing interest in Melbourne Drum Lessons, and also for your enthusiasm towards the “Art of Drumming”.
Sincerely,
Stephen C.