Artist Profile: Nick Austin

Artist Profile: Nick Austin
Nick has been taking lessons at our studio with Roy King for nearly 3 years now and has been playing the drums since he  was 4 years old!  Now a freshman in high school Nick has participated in the Tri-C High School Rock Off at The House Of Blues 3 times with his band Copykat Crisis.  In his drum studies he has expanded into afro-cuban and jazz rhythms.  He has also been working on producing some techno music on the side.
How long have you been playing drums? 

 I first picked up the sticks when I was 4 years old. I played consistently for a few years then I was a bit on and off with playing around the age of 9. My interest was re-sparked by avenged sevenfold when I was 11 years old and I have been working hard since then.

Which performance at the rock off was your favorite?

I've enjoyed all of my experiences at the rock off. All of the staff are friendly and willing to help, and it's always fun. I have to say my favorite experience was my second year there. The crowd turn out was strong and I felt that our setlist gave me the opportunity to get to play on the intricate side of things at points and at other times it let me relax and keep the pocket flowing. This year certainly had it's improvements, but I think the year before was much more enjoyable.

What does your kit consist of? Do you like an elaborate set up or are you more of a minimalist?

at the moment, my drumset consists of 3 crashes, a pair of hihats, a splash cymbal, an effect cymbal, 2 chinas, and a ride when it comes to cymbals. I have 5 toms and a bass drum that are all DW collector's series, and 2 snares. Both the snares are made by Pearl drums, one being a Jimmy Degrasso signature brass snare, and the other being a Joey Jordison signature piccolo snare. I like to switch up between a minimalist setup and a more elaborate set up. One reason for that is that Since I'm a more stylistically versatile player, I can never really find a "perfect" set up. The other reason is I find more topical uses for everything on a larger kit after working on a minimal kit, and I use more parts of what is set up on a minimal kit after playing a larger kit.

How long have you been taking drum lessons with Roy King, and what have you been studying recently?

I have been taking lessons with Roy for roughly 2 1/2 years now. Recently, I've been studying Afro-Cuban drumset, jazz, and drumset coordination.

Tell us a little about some of the techno music that you've been producing lately.

 I've been recently dabbling trance and dubstep. Ever since I had seen Pinn Panelle's live cover of Skrillex's "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites", I've been very interested in the whole fusion of rock and dubstep. I'm hoping to develop a better understanding of dubstep so I can properly integrated with other styles that I'm already familiar with. It's been quite tough so far, but I've been having a blast with it. It's a whole different side of music than drums and I think that's what I like most about it.

Students Of The Month March 2012

Ian Henry

Ian Henry is no stranger to music. Playing violin and piano for over 5 years and coming from a musical family, you can say it is in his blood. Ian approaches every lesson prepared and eager to learn while perusing to understand styles of music relating to the bass guitar. What impresses me is his sense of timing and his ear for “the groove”.  I’m proud to select him as my student of the month.

Mike Edwards

Jacy Paterson

Jacy has been studying with me for over a year, and since then he has made leaps and bounds on his instrument.  With his reading and playing skills at such a high level, he has been a dream to teach.  I know that he will do great things on the drum set.

Jim Curtis

Jared Tripodi

Jared began taking guitar lessons with me the summer following his seventh grade year.  Now a junior in high school, he has worked consistently on his playing and musicianship.  In four years he has gone from beginning method books to some of the most challenging music in modern rock guitar.  Throughout his studies he has been highly self-motivated and his lessons have become increasingly student directed. Jared sets high goals for himself and works diligently to improve.  I am pleased to select him as my first student of the month.

Mike McClosky

Fiona Boden

It is always a treat when a student truly embraces learning their instrument. Fiona has welcomed being challenged with difficult concepts, as well as being a test pilot for new approaches to standard techniques. She is eager to learn and puts a tremendous amount of energy into becoming a better player. What a fun person to work with every week!

Cathy Miller

Ian Nemerovsky

               Ian Nemerovsky is the Brass Student of the Month for the March.  He is a seventh grader at Claggett Middle School. He has been taking lessons since September of 2010.  He plays trombone.  He was a more reserved student when he first started taking lessons, but he is now more open and involved.  He comes to his lesson with attitude of learning something new.  He started in band in 5th grade. He is currently involved in band and jazz band. He was selected as 6th grader to join the middle school jazz band and attend middle school summer honors band.

Angela White

 

Emily Boccio

The woodwind student of the month for March is Emily Boccio.  Emily, a sixth grader at A.I. Root, began taking lessons in August of 2011 and has accomplished so much in such a short time.  She has learned a large quantity of music, much of which she took the initiative to find and choose herself. Emily's determination helps her reach her music goals such as learning her favorite Christmas songs and completing her first lesson book.  

Emily comes to every lesson with a positive attitude and is enthusiastic about completing her day's tasks.  She works hard during each lesson and will ensure she understands new concepts and pieces before she leaves.  Through her mastery of beginning clarinet technique and weekly exercises, it is evident that Emily practices deliberately and diligently every week.  I am very proud of the work Emily has already accomplished and look forward to seeing where her enthusiasm and work ethic take her.

Jessie Rowe

 

Olivia Phillips

The piano student of the month for March is 10 year old Olivia Phillips.  Olivia is in the 4^th grade at Heritage Elementary and started piano lessons in October 2011. Olivia always comes to her lesson well prepared and is progressing rapidly.  Because of her hard work both at home and during her lesson time she is very deserving of Student of the Month.