Farewell, Jake

I just had my final drum lesson with Jake Richter, who is moving to New York to pursue advanced degrees in jazz composition and drumming at the Manhattan School of Music. Having learned from one master drum teacher, Steve Houghton, here at IU, he'll be learning from another, John Riley, at Manhattan. I wouldn't be surprised if Jake himself eventually becomes a master drum teacher (though I know composition is at least equally important to him). Which isn't to say that he won't also be a great player - Riley and Houghton (among others) prove that being a great player and a great teacher are not mutually exclusive career paths. Based on my experience this past year, Jake's well on his way. In any case, I look forward to seeing him playing in some clubs in NYC over the next couple of years. (I'm kicking myself that I don't have a photo of the two of us together to post here.)