Norman Edwards Jr.
"My father started teaching me drum set when I was four years old. I remember watching him perform, bringing joy to people he knew and didn't know. I wanted to be able to do the same, and make the world a better place through music. Learning about rhythm, groove, rudiments and entertainment was an adventure filled with challenges. The rewards were greater than imagined, as education became a catalyst for my dream of being a professional musician. Later in life, my mentors in middle school, high school and college pushed my talents to new heights. They taught me things like work ethic, values, leaving it all on the floor when you perform, and music theory.
The reason I love teaching is because it has a huge impact not just on students artistry but also their character. There is no greater joy then watching a student practice, grow and be elated by the growth. It is universal, music reaches us all and makes the world a better place to be in."
Norman Paul Edwards Jr. was born on March 15, 1985 in Queens, New York. He was born into a musical family, his father was a drummer in the Gospel scene and his mother was a dancer and clarinetist. Norman went to The LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and The Performing Arts majoring in music. Norman also studied at The Manhattan School Of Music and ended his studies with a MASTERS in Jazz Performance. Norman is a two-time Grammy nominated artist under the Jazz Heads label with The Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. The name of the albums are Kenya Revisited: Live, and Tito Puente Masterworks: Live.
Norman is an educator with Manhattan School of Music's Preparatory Division, Arts Connection and The New York Youth Musicians School in Brooklyn, New York. He currently runs two bands. SpinKick is his original band showcasing his composition skills blending Dance, Funk, Hip Hop and Jazz into feel good melodies and slamming grooves. His other band co-led with saxophonist Alex Lopez is named Fighting In The Streets, a video game remix band breaking new ground with nostalgia and feel good groove. Norman specializes in Drum Set, Percussion, Vibes, Piano and Guitar bringing the same skill and enthusiasm for each indtrument. Norman has shared the stage with George Benson, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, John Faddis, Candido Romero, Stefan Harris, Rudy Linka, Stevie Wonder and Bobby Sanabria. Norman Edwards Jr. plays Vic Firth Sticks, Zildjian Cymbals, and Gon Bops Percussion. For Kenya Revisited: Live and Tito Puente Masterworks: Live visit amazon.com .
Instagram: @funkflash15 & @spinkickmusic