Instructor Spotlight: Curtis Rash

Curtis Rash enjoys working with his hands, from building decks and fences to playing the drums. He’s also big into weightlifting and running. As someone who has been teaching music for decades, Curtis says it helps to stay in shape both physically and mentally. He loves the classic rock sound of the 70s. He loves the screaming trumpets and wailing saxophones of big band. Music is often just what Curtis needs to shift his mood or frame of mind. He applies that approach to his students. He’ll sometimes invite his students to play along with recordings of jazz legends like Bill Chase or Maynard Ferguson, and these students will inevitably finish their lesson with huge smiles on their faces. Curtis also plays for the R&B/rock band LATCH. Curtis’s accreditation to teaching comes from his studies at IPFW under Neal Graham. Even after all these years of performing, Curtis still finds nothing more exhilarating than climbing on stage with strangers and playing songs selected on the spot.

“I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting my craft.  But along the way, I had some great direction from other very talented musicians. I am still learning.  Teaching at the Pearl allows me to pass along what I’ve learned in a casual and friendly environment, which I hope feeds their curiosity and drives them to want to learn more about music.” – Curtis Rash