Carl Mueller Shares his Gift of Percussion

Carl Mueller teaching percussion to students and teachers
at the Westlake School, Westfield, NJ.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once defined success as, "by laughing often and much, and by winning the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children". This philosophy could certainly be used to describe percussionist Carl Mueller.

In June of this year, Carl arranged to demonstrate the art of percussion at the Westlake School in Westfield, New Jersey. Conveniently the school was on the way to his vacation spot in the New Jersey shore, so Carl arranged to drop in for a lesson. This impromptu visit inspired approximately 60 students and teachers where he conducted not one but two drum circles.

Carl Mueller a multi-talented percussionist shares his teaching
knowledge on a variety of LP instruments.

After unloading 15 or so congas, a few bongos, some tambourines, claves and maracas, Carl greeted his audience. "Initially the students were not particularly enthusiastic. I could empathize with their feelings since this was their first opportunity to play instruments of any kind." says Carl. But then he did a demonstration and was able to teach them to play a simple rhythm. Carl said "they began slowly, but sure enough they became more confidant and then they really all got into it." Carl believes anyone can play percussion and have a good time, it's not like a violin where you have to spend years and years learning.

The students had such a good time while learning to play percussion that it was hard for Carl to get them to stop playing. The teachers felt that Carl touched the lives of the students by sharing his unique and creative spirit. As the teacher wrote in her thank you letter to Carl, "You are one of the most successful people we've had the pleasure to have visit our school."

Teachers and students soon caught on to the contagious rhythms--once
they got the hang of it they didn't want to quit!

Carl with this brothers, Billie and Donnie perform regularly in the Jersey/New York area. Their group The Flying Mueller Brothers gives Reggae music a new twist by combining it with Latin and Caribbean grooves.