What do you teach at the Con?
Drum Kit
What genres do you teach?
I teach jazz, rock, pop, metal, funk, punk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, hip-hop, soul, reggae, country, folk, blues, big band, fusion, electronic, and beyond!
What is it that you love about teaching music – particularly at Wollongong Conservatorium?
I love witnessing students’ “light bulb” moments and discovering how each individual learns best. Being a support and guide as students navigate their musical journey is incredibly rewarding. Teaching at Wollongong Conservatorium is particularly special to me because I studied here as a child through the ChiME program, which still thrives today.
Sharing my experiences in touring, recording, composing, and teaching with a new generation of Illawarra musicians feels full-circle and truly surreal. I’m deeply honoured and grateful for this opportunity.
Please share a particular career highlight and why it’s special to you.
Between January and March 2020, I had the profound opportunity to perform as part of the opening act for Sir Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” Australian tour. Over the course of 12 outdoor concerts from Coffs Harbour to Melbourne, I played drums for Sydney-based songwriter Tate Sheridan alongside bassist Matt Nightingale. Night after night, watching Elton and his band perform from the side of the stage was a true masterclass in musicianship, professionalism, and humanity. That tour serves as a powerful reminder that consistent effort toward something you believe in can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
What’s one piece of music that you’d recommend people listen to?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d recommend “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John. I listened to it every morning and night during the Elton John tour using noise-cancelling headphones with my eyes closed. I love the simplicity of the drumming, which isn’t easy to achieve, and the overall floating, ethereal feeling of the music. Every listen gives me a magical sense of beauty and awe. Make sure to experience it fully by listening from start to finish with complete focus.