So who’s the friendly face behind the piano and drums? That’d be me: equal parts music teacher, performing artist, and occasional collector of strange instruments that make neighbors raise eyebrows. From my first piano lesson (age 5) to decades of teaching, performing, and creating, this page shares the journey that brought me here, and why I’m so passionate about helping others find their musical voice.
Wait, Who’s This Guy?
With over thirty years of experience in both piano and drums, I’ve made it my mission to help students discover the joy of music and the confidence that comes from learning it well. I started piano at age five and picked up the drums at thirteen, because what’s better than making music? Hitting things on purpose and calling it rhythm.
I studied music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a performance major, trained under Greensboro’s own Frank Pyrtle on drums, and continue lessons today with Gardner-Webb’s piano faculty and other veteran mentors. I believe good teachers never stop being students themselves.
My teaching philosophy centers around a “Fundamentals First” mindset: strong foundations in music theory, technique, and musicianship are the keys to unlocking creativity, fluency, and lifelong enjoyment. I tailor each lesson to the student’s age, ability, and learning style. For pianists and drummers alike, that means a fun and structured blend of reading (notation, chords, or charts), ear training, rhythm development, improvisation, theory, technique, and performance skills.
Lessons are upbeat, personalized, and built to grow with each student, whether they’re learning their first scale, laying down their first groove, or plotting how to sneak a kazoo solo into their next recital. My goal is to spark not just musical ability, but confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
When I’m Not Teaching…
I compose original music and songs to hopefully share with the world. I write Dungeons & Dragons adventures & settings with which to torture my players. I stand and crouch on a cruiser board and hope to someday have the courage to push off. I carry a Fujifilm around and attempt to capture moments. I hike up steep rocky inclines, grasping desperately at vines and branches, seeking sunlight and the elusive hiker’s high.
I read historical adventures and find myself foolishly wishing I could experience the Franklin expedition (without the scurvy and cannibalism). I dodge multiple dogs and cats, failing to keep their tangle of tails and teeth from beneath my feet. I play at web development for fun. I make furniture, crafts, and things which hold no interest to anyone but myself.
I do my best to teach a tiny, brilliant girl how to think, create, and stand tall in a world that keeps me both inspired and slightly terrified. I do all this alongside (or at least, in the same general vicinity as) a beautiful, patient, understanding wife, without whom none of the rest above would be possible or worthwhile.
Musical & Creative Highlights
- Studied at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a Performance Major in Piano
- Ongoing mentorship with Gardner-Webb University’s Dr. Bruce Moser
- Composed a series of late-Romantic style piano works, currently featured by performers at Gardner-Webb University
- Primary songwriter and bandleader for Beldin’s Plight, a piano-based jamband
- Resident performer at The Factory in Kernersville, both solo and with Beldin’s Plight
- Drummer for Travis Griggs and Friends
- Bass guitarist for Shelby punk band Section-F
- One half of the acoustic duo Beal and Brandon Play Music at Appalachian State
- Host of the Open Jam at Community Arts Café in Winston-Salem
- Creator of the Triad Tune-Up website, promoting local music across the NC Triad
- Founding member of Winston-Salem’s First Friday Artwalk on Trade Street
- Booked bands and served as musician liaison for SoundLizzard Productions, an artist management firm
- Current board member for Rutherfordton’s FAB (Food, Art, and Brew) community event