Rick Henson
Professional Musician
303-886-5180
"Become the best musician that you can be because that is your product– your own personal musicianship."
- Steve Smith
One Step Closer - Jodi Faley, 2012
Postcards from Tanzania - Swing Je T'aime, 2013
Steel Alive - Steel Alive
The Octopus- Steel Alive
Pandemic - Steel Alive
Christmas Favorites - Rocky Mountain Steel Bands
Soca Colorado - Rocky Mountain Steel Bands
I've been drumming up business *bah-dum-bump-ching!* in the Front Range region since 1993, performing with symphonic orchestras, theater productions, and, of course, rock bands. This breadth of percussive experience -- including studies at the University of Northern Colorado -- created the backdrop for discovering my greatest passion: steel drums. My steel drum school, Rocky Mountain Steel Bands, has grown to include four community performance groups and several beginner/intermediate classes.
I also direct two professional bands -- Strings & Steel and Urban Island -- which have appeared at festivals, headline concerts, and private events throughout 5 states in the U.S. and in Costa Rica. At sea level, I can play Margaritaville on steel drums while standing on my head with my hands tied behind my back. Next time you see me performing at sea level, I'll show you.
I love to teach raw beginners. Beginning drum students need to have a patient teacher that knows exactly what skills to focus on at just the right time. Since I started teaching 20+ years ago I' have always enjoyed helping the beginning drummer get off to a great start.
I'm also on the Vic Firth Education Team and SABIAN Education Network.
My students learn the important fundamentals to perform songs they love in a friendly and relaxed environment. Many of my current students have been learning from me for several years, and the consistent feedback is that my lessons are fun and engaging. I actively seek innovative methods for sharing my love of music. What excites me the most is that moment of triumph I witness when a student masters some new, difficult technique!