Main PageMy Real Life Resume Study
Ken Adessa has been studying drums for 12 years. He studied with John Hvasta for 3 years and has a degree in Music Education from Montclair State University where he studied timpani, mallets, and snare drum with
Barry Centani . Ken has attended workshops or classes with jazz greats Billy Hart, Keith Copeland and Ralph Peterson. He has studied ensemble playing and composition with Armen Donelian and Radam Schwartz. He is currently studying the Alan Dawson drumset method. On a different level, Ken has been unofficially studying with Erik Lawrence and considers Erik to be a great influence and mentor.
Performing
As a performer, Ken has played in many types of musical situations. While at Montclair State University he was principal percussionist in the MSU Concert Band and the rhythm section leader of the MSU Jazz Band. He performed at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall with the Montclair Chamber Ensemble. Ken has worked with the queen of boogie woogie piano Dona Oxford. He has been called for hand percussion dates with Kyler England, Kristin Cifelli , and other singer/songwriters. He has also played timbales and percussion for Paradise's Afro-Cuban Orchestra. He has several local and school musicals to his credit such as The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Working, Grease, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Wonderful Town and the mallet book of West Side Story.
Current Projects
His main project right now is an original melodic rock band Green to Think . They have recorded a song titled "It's Christmas Eve" that is available for download at their website and an EP is currently in post production. Paul Gargiulo has had him as part of his trio on their upcoming release. Ken also plays with a blues band called No Chaser. There is more info about their upcoming CD release on that website. He is also involved with a soul/R&B band called Groove Factor 5. Ken can often be seen freelancing around the NYC/NJ area. Check here for a list of performance dates.
Coaching
Ken has recently been coaching bands. He'll come to your rehearsals and offer advice on song structure, feels, solos or anything else that may come up. His advice has proved to be helpful for bands so far. Sometimes, this coaching will turn into a band using Ken as their producer when they go to record their demo. Bridge is one such band. Check out the Morris Records page for more on this.
Teaching
Ken also teaches 5th grade band full time in the Oakland Public School System. He also teaches privately on the side and substitutes for the Calderone School of Music. Ken is currently accepting private students.
