KEN BALLINGER

Styles
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Rudimental

Bio
Ken is a diverse musician who brings an understanding of ensemble playing to the drumset. In addition to touring Europe and the Caribbean, he has played in Trinidadian-style steel-drum bands, percussion ensembles, Jazz big-bands, orchestras, Rock groups, traditional African and Brazilian groups, and much more. Besides drumset, Ken has performed on the congas, classical percussion, trombone, tuba, and voice. He earned a certificate from the Drummer’s Collective in New York City and graduated with honors with a degree in Music Education (percussion emphasis) from Humboldt State University. Having had over 40 private instructors, including David Garibaldi and Bobby Sanabria, Ken draws from a broad spectrum of experience. At Skip’s for nearly a decade, Ken has worked with students ranging from 18 months to 85 years in age. Many have gone on to play in bands, record, and tour.

Method
“I break my teaching into three basic subjects. 1) Studying the 40 Standard Rudiments and their application to the drumset develops the speed and power needed for drumming. It is also a great way to connect with the history of the drumset. 2) Reading helps students to understand how to coordinate their limbs. My best readers become my most versatile students. 3) Beats combine the physical elements of the rudiments with the mental aspects of the reading to allow students to explore and understand the fantastic variety of rhythms.”