Willie Rast began playing drums at a very early age Influenced mostly by his father Jim Rast
a well known vocalist/musician. Growing up with Motown music in his home gave Willie
the desire and ambition to play the drums for the rest of his life.
Willie started studying formally in middle school band and
continued through high school in Orlando, Florida,
where he grew up.
He attended College in Maryland on a lacrosse scholarship,
but was lured back to Orlando to pursue music.
Willie is currently attending Rollins college.
Not only is Willie experienced in playing drumset, he is also well versed in
orchestral percussion and mallet percussion, such as marimba, bells,
and vibraphone.
Willie performs in many local bands.
The Fred Mann quartet—is a jazz combo that performs many jazz standards as well as original compositions.
The Coldspot 8—is a traditional reggae band that does early Jamaican ska, reggae and rocksteady.
The Coldspot 8 has opened for many national artist such as, The Wailers, The Slackers, and reggae legend Justin Hines.
Willie play’s many styles of music and works on various studio sessions and has recorded on
other artist album's.
Willie's, teaching strategy and philosophy:
My teaching strategy varies from each individual student. All of my students are of different ages and are at different levels of playing. For beginner or younger students, I start them on a snare drum or practice pad and teach basic reading and stick control.
For adult students I usually give them a two week crash course on control and reading, and then slowly apply it to the drumset. This way it keep’s it more interesting and motivates the student.
The main goal for me as an instructor is to not make the lesson a class, but an enjoyable,
fun learning experience that the student will benefit from. Although there is no strict practice regiment, I do urge and suggest students to practice 30 /45 minutes a day. This will help you to see progress and to accelerate at steady pace
