This is me and Michael Shrieve from Santana @ WoodStick 2010.
Thomas Pridgen, formerly of The Mars Volta.
425-260-9144
drummersEvolution@comcast.net
I have been playing the drums for over 33 years and began teaching in
Sacramento, California in 1991. I have studied with various teachers including
Don Silva at Sacramento City College, Tony Gallioto, Mike Lawson, Nashville
recording artist Aaron Smith and the legendary
Tony Dey.
Tony has studied with George Marsh, Pete Magadini and David Garibaldi
to name a few. Tony is Sacramento's authority on drum education. Everything
he taught me from the late 70's to the present I use daily with each student.
From playing in church on Sunday morning to the nightclubs on weekends my
ability as a drummer has grown and has given me an opportunity to work with
a number of diverse players including:
The Mind Club, Sacramento California's #1 Old School Funk band, Mercy
Me!, Gospel Music's Jeremy Camp, The Calvary Chapel of Grass Valley CA, Larry
Tagg, Jerry Jennings, Mike Kelly, Hans Eberbach from Columbia artist's SweetVine,
and many more.
Method
My goal is to pass on what I have learned over the years: stick control, reading, ear training, technique, polyrhythms, etc. I place a strong emphasis on groove and teach my students to become not just drummers but musicians who can listen to a song and play appropriately.
Influences
Steve Jordan, William Calhoun (Living Colour),John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Michael Shrieve (Santana), John Blackwell (Prince), Buddy Rich, David Garibaldi (Tower of Power), Brain (Primus), Zoro, Jon Moffet, Johnny Rabb, my cousin Randy Gallerin at www.colorblindstudios.com
Endorsements
Johnny Rabb Drumsticks
GREG DANA
425-260-9144
DrummersEvolution@comcast.net
