Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Greenhouse.
Marshall, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Music has been my life ever since I was young. I first started taking drum lessons at age 8 and have been continuing to grow as a musician since. The older I get, the more II seem to realize that there is so much music out there and I want to understand and be able to play it all.
I moved from Atlanta to the Chicago area to attend Northwestern’s School of Music where I graduated from in 1998. I have been living in Chicago ever since, performing in bands and teaching music throughout the city. I love teaching all ages, from toddler music classes to adults that are in touring bands.
Throughout my life my tastes in music have changed, however I think all music is good music. If someone out there likes it then the artist has done something right.
I perform music I love, heading up a few local acts- Marshan Sounds is a duo with my wife that performs ambient and experimental electronic loops. In this project I have the opportunity to bring in anything I’d like so each show is different although you will always find West African rhythms, Middle Eastern maqam, a variety of world percussion and stringed instruments all mixed together with oscillators, delays and other effects to create a hypnotic atmosphere.
AfroZep is a group I started in 2010 that performs all Led Zeppelin songs that have been rearranged with African influences. This is my way of introducing African audiences to the music of Led Zeppelin as well as classic rock fans to all of the amazing African genres that I love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Making a living performing music is very difficult. Most people do not realize the amount of hours that go into a performance from rehearsals to bookings to promotion. I have without a doubt spent way more than I have made when it comes to music performance so teaching is how I am able to afford that.
I, however, absolutely love teaching. Like any job there are days where you would rather just stay at home and relax but for the most part I am excited to go out and teach, whether it’s for 15 three year olds, 8th grade percussion at Lincoln Elementary or private lessons at my home studio. I have built such great relationships with my students and there are many that I have been a part of their lives from age 5 until adulthood. I feel very lucky that I have been able to do this all through my passion- music.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Drum Chicago – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Drum Chicago offers a wide range of services. Most commonly people reach out to me for private drumset lessons. While I have interests in many instruments and forms of music, rock drumming is what started my passion so I always love taking on new students for that. I also love packing up my car with 20 mini djembes and showing up at a kid’s birthday party to share my love with all of their friends.
Aside from teaching, Drum Chicago helps school and corporations find drummers for their events. Over the past weekend I was hired to perform with a friend for 5 hours straight playing on buckets. Every day is different so I never get bored.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
No big changes. I have two young kids so if they continue to keep their interest in music I would love to get them involved in lessons with someone other than myself.
I do hope my bands continue to gain recognition and I can keep a balanced life of being a musician, teacher and father.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2442 N Spaulding Ave
- Website: www.DrumChicago.com
- Phone: 7736551707
- Email: marshall@drumchicago.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshansounds/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/drum-chicago-chicago
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