If you’ve ever wanted to know more about our music teachers, how they got started in music, their quarks and passions, what it takes to be a musician and all the unique things that make them the phenomenal teachers that they are…well we’ve got the inside scoop for you!

JP has got to be one of the most laid back, true to himself kind of people we know. When you meet him you instantaneously know he’s truly a really nice guy, and he is! Couple that with his ridiculous drumming talent and his aura of coolness and you’ve got one heck of a drum teacher. We have so enjoyed getting to know him at Zayas Studios and we know you will too…hopefully this will give you a sneak preview.

(Picture at left is JP playing at our Student Showcase May 2012)

To read JP’s bio CLICK HERE

Interview Q & A

Q: What first interested you about music? How did you get started playing your instrument?

A: When I was 6 my mom and dad forced me to learn the piano and I hated it. I was super into sports and made fun of the musicians! I had no interest in it at the time. Years later, since my mom was in the church choir I became friends with the musicians and began to enjoy music. One day at church as I watched the drummer during service, I decided that music was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a drummer. I spent some time learning drums before middle school so that I could audition for band. Between lessons and my own research and practicing, I started drumming.  I wanted to learn, so I did!

Q: What do you love most about being a musician?

A: As silly as it sounds—when I started drumming I decided music was a better route than sports because in sports there is the risk of injury and that can ruin your career. It’s not likely I will get injured in music so I think of my career as safe. Plus, I love that drums make people dance and can be played anywhere. I love music as a whole and that it is inspiring to others—I’m happier when there is music playing in my life. Being a musician also allows me to travel and provides many opportunities to see to world while doing what you love.

Q: Who is your music icon and why?

A: I’m not sure I have ONE music icon I look to. I enjoy Hillsong and lots of 80’s musicians—they are entertaining and inspiring! My fellow musicians are truly who inspire me. I love being a part of that community.

Q: What do you most enjoy about being a music teacher?

A: I love working with people who share my same passion and want to make drums a lifestyle—a career. It’s awesome getting the chance to share the knowledge of drums I have with them. Watching students grow and really get what they are learning makes it all worth it.

Q: What is the most difficult part about being/becoming a musician?

A: The most difficult part about becoming a musician was learning, and wanting to learn. PERSEVERANCE. Finding time and making it a priority to practice even when I didn’t feel like it. As a musician now, the most difficult part is making it into a lifestyle or career—I don’t play drums, I am a drummer.

Q: If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would you say?

A: Love what you do! Love the instrument you play. Be committed and be you—figure out your niche and play what you like!

Q: What’s been the most memorable music performance experience you’ve been a part of?

A: The first church service I played in as the drummer is definitely one and also an event I just played in called “Seek God for the City”. We played worship music and prayed for the doctors and hospitals in our town.

Q: Outside of music, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

A: I still love sports, mainly soccer, and my favorite team is the German National Team. I also enjoy going to the shooting range and watching movies.

We are proud to have him as a student. Check out this video featuring him in one of his lessons playing triplet feel drum fills.

We are uber excited about a music summer camp Danny Zayas is directing this summer with Landry Academy! Throughout the week students will be learning instruments, playing in ensembles, have music technique clinics and most of all have tons of FUN! We will end the week with a student performance and also have the priviledge of having Tenth Avenue North join us for worship. All levels are welcome from beginner to advanced – we will be working with piano, bass, drums, guitar and vocals.

This week long away camp will be in the mountains of Banner Elk, NC for 8th – 12th grade students from June 19th-25th. We will be staying on the beautiful campus of Lees McRae College and of course enjoying other camp activities such as rock climbing, basketball, vollyball, a pool, dodge ball, etc. Best of all this is a Christ-centered summer camp! We’d love to have you join us!

For more information or to register, visit http://landryacademy.com/camps.htm