My name is Liam. I am a former member of the Syncopating Sea Monkeys of River City High School. I am also the drummer for the up-and-coming band “The Midnight Sun”.

I started my music journey at an age of 7, where I got my first drum set for Christmas. I fell in love with it instantly. I was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety since I was 4 years old. The drums gave me an outlet to let out my energy while at the same time helping me keep focus on things that mattered like school. Drumming was more than just music for me, it was therapy.

Like many kids starting out in music, an instrument was nothing more than a way to make noise but to me, I was the best drummer in the world or at least going to be. I played to my favorite band at the time (MKTO) and was glad my parents sacrificed to give me lessons. Also like most kids, music is all about Rock & Roll and Hip Hop but since that wasn’t an option at my high school, I transitioned to Jazz. The experience changed my life.

Ms. Felicia Weatherly has been the band director at RCHS for 26 years. In addition to her passion for music, she really cares about her students. I was two weeks late to the audition in my freshman year, but she still gave me a chance to be a part of the band. I truly believe that decision shaped my high school experience and possibly for the rest of my life. I still remember the words she said to me during my audition “Jazz band is more than just a class, it’s a family”. Those words couldn’t be truer.

Over the course of 4 years, we performed at various venues and competitions. I received “Best Drums” at the Tea Garden Jazz Festival in 2019 along with numerous metals from other competitions. Performing in from of people forced me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence I needed in life. In my senior year, I traveled with my band family to New Orleans. Not only did I gain new appreciation for Jazz on that trip, the memories I shared with my Jazz family on that trip was priceless.

I started Crash Music Lessons for many reasons but most of all, I know how much drumming has made a difference in my life. I want every kid to have the opportunity I had to learn music. My goal is to create a network of teachers throughout the Country and pair them up with students in their area. I want to do this so that finding a music teacher will be more accessible for students and hope it will also encourage more musicians to be teachers.