At a very young age Derrick found a passion for music and language. He pursued these arts throughout his years at high school and then at college by way of private lessons locally, and simply playing and practicing as much as possible.. Along the way, by use of a personal computer at home, he discovered computers and the internet and then began a double major in English Composition and Web Design.
Between school and computers, Derrick competed in numerous local and regional solo drum set and snare competitions, winning so many that he was eventually banned from several of them. He also intensely pursued his love of music and drumming by composing his own music, performing in many local bands and with several local drum-lines, as well as educating at high schools and music stores. It was during this time that he fell into the marvels of modern sound engineering and audio production. By writing and recording his own songs, he became proficient in many forms of audio and sound design.
Derrick is currently an active performing and educating percussionist and also runs IT and web design management for his father’s architectural firm. He is the head of IT and graphic / web design at Mogul Mind Studios in Pittsburgh, in addition to being involved in many of the sound engineering and audio production that goes on at the studio.
Derrick’s many influences include (but are not limited to) Vinnie Colaiuta, Joe Morello, Tony Williams, Virgil Donati, and Steve Smith.
