A veteran educator with a Music Education degree from UNT and over 30 professional theater show credits across the West Coast.
Jim is a highly skilled percussionist and educator based in Tacoma, Washington. He earned his Bachelor in Music Education from the world-renowned University of North Texas in 1991. This elite academic training provided him with a sophisticated understanding of both performance and pedagogy.
Since 1995, Jim has performed in over 30 professional musical theater productions, as well as top-40 pop, R&B, and jazz ensembles. He is an active session musician for studio recordings and choral projects. This "real-world" experience ensures his students receive practical, performance-based guidance.
Jim offers master-level instruction on the Drum Set and all forms of Percussion. His expertise includes Rudimental/Marching, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, and Musical Theatre. Jim creates an energetic environment for students of all ages, helping them find their own rhythmic voice.
Jim provides lessons from a professional studio in Tacoma and offers high-definition online sessions. He also travels for in-home lessons throughout the greater Tacoma area. He focuses on building rock-solid technical foundations tailored to each student's specific musical interests.
Every instructor at Melody Music Studios, including Jim, undergoes our strict vetting process: Background-Checked, Expert Interviewed, and Musically Qualified.