Parts of this page have been featured in Guillermo Cides' Newsletter on Women Stickists; "The Ladies of the Stick" Novenber 2002 issue, along with other WILD women. Check it out if you get the chance!
who	First of all, I am Tina, a GUI/Web/Graphic Designer by trade and a Stickist/Bassist/Percussionist by nature.
how	How I Got Started In college in New Paltz in the early 80's I met a bassist, Robert 'Bobby O' O'Connor, from Staten Island, NY, who introduced me to bass and Jazz Fusion. Around 1983 he showed me the Chapman Stick. I had a background in Rock and Jazz percussion as well as piano, but I was completely unprepared for the Stick. It was his dream to own one, but out of both of our price ranges at the time. MIDI was just starting to be used in the consumer market and we did not hear of the MIDI Stick at the time, which would have blown both of us away at the possibilities. Bob showed me elementary bass, and taught me to really 'listen' to music and show me how it all fit together. Though I didn't realize it at the time, for the next 20 years I would take what he taught me and let it smolder inside me. Along with Tony Levin, a major influence was/is Tuck & Patti, a jazz duo. His playing is unlike anyhting I have ever heard, and his guitar and Patti's vocals move me every time I hear them. Tuck is a main reason I became interested in stringed instruments, and for that, I am eternally grateful, perhaps I will tell him someday. . . . . (the other reason being the pure love of it).
limbo	Almost 20 Years Later For almost 20 years I didn't pick the bass up, but I always listened to a diverse range of music, from Zydeco to Classical to Jazz to Fusion to Electronica and everything in between, Jazz Fusion being my first love. One day in the early Fall of 2001, on a driving impulse, I decided to purchase my first Chapman Stick from a player who just couldn't manage to master it and decided to sell it once and for all. I had been writing Downtempo Trip Hop with my writing partner/artist, Brian, a genius with MIDI and Cubase. He re-introduced me to writing, and I decided I finally wanted to play the real thing instead of just programming it. When I finally got my Stick (#2399 Ziggy, 10 string Polycarb, std tuning) I took it to a reputable local shop for set-up/cleaning (Corey Buckinghan and Justin Kolack's shop; Rock City Guitars) who were excited to see the real thing as there are not many around. I took it home and tried my rudimentary scales. . . . . . .I made truly awful sounds, and decided to contact the shop again and start from the beginning, with structured lessons. I needed the theory and the practice, big time. Since then, I have been studying with Justin Kolack, a great funk bassist who has played with; Vykki Vox Band, Robin Trower, Tower of Power, Dave Mason, Dave Lindley, The Radiators, Tuck & Patti, A.J.Croce, Warren Haynes, and Better than Ezra, to name a few, and is a very patient teacher, considering I learn in reverse from mild dyslexia.
now	2002: Novice (but getting better) Currently, what I learn from Justin on my Godin fretted, I translate to the Cort unlined/unfretted, and when I have the feel of the piece, I then transfer that to the Stick. This has been a great method for me to learn. I do have the Bob Culberson series of tapes, and watch them occasionally when I get frustrated, but this chick is not giving up. With great words of encouragement from Tony Levin and Greg Howard (great to have FINALLY met 2 of my idols, have yet to meet Tuck, btw), I will keep on tapping for as long as it takes. I have been in contact with 2 local Stickists in my area; Brian O'Connell of Uncle Sammy, and Bill T. Miller who played on Tappistry I. Their words of encouragement along with Justin Kolack's expert teaching both renews and excites me. 2004: Still a novice, and still getting better! From a relocation to San Jose, California, I found myself in the middle of a musically and culturally rich area. In perusing Craigs List I was able to find my current Stick Instructor; Trey Donovan Drake, a former student of Bob Culbertson. Trey is amazingly patient and can play like Levin, Howard, and Culbertson. I was so lucky to find him as it is rare to find anyone who teaches anymore. I have referred 2 Stickists and 2 basists to Trey. If you live in the bay area and need an incredible Instructor, email Trey! Along with Trey's Stick Lessons, a co-worker and fellow student, Gunther, and I get together durung the week and play together. Though I was/am basically shy about playing in front of others, I have come to accept that we all have to start somewhere, and playing with someone actually does help. Gunther is getting really good, better than he gives himself credit for. . . Note: Along with Greg Howard and Tony Levin, I have finally met Tuck Andress [Tuck & Patti]! As A Woman Stickist In getting into the Stick, I soon realized that there were few Stickists out there, much less women Stickists. I have heard some truly sensitive male Stickists (Greg Howard, Bob Culbertson), playing the instrument with grace and elegance, and I have also seen Tony Levin, Don Schiff, and Guillermo Cides attack the audience with the Stick and NS Stick/Cello, allowing both the sensitivity and tenacious sounds pour out and completely engulf the audience. I don't consider any instrument exclusive for men or women. As long as it is played honestly, the music will speak for itself, gender aside. I wonder why there are so few women playing Stick. It is such a diverse instrument capable of soothing yet animalistic sounds, nearly primal, but always sensual. Perhaps it is the intimidation factor; hand independence along with bass and guitar skills. I am not sure, but i do know that I have been thinking about the Stick for more than half of my life. Now that I finally have one, the sky's the limit. Ladies. . . . . . .grab the Stick and take the ride, persevere and you won't regret it. I think the best quality of the Stick is it's diversity of range, MIDI Stick aside. Between two hands playing, you can get smooth soothing sounds, or by playing hard, you get a percussive quality, a hard driving beat complimenting the percussion, and all of it literally at your fingertips. I have heard truly amazing sounds from a Stick, sounds that are truly only attainable from this instrument. I have been approached by Cali and New England bands to perform with them as not only a Stickist, but as a kick-ass woman Stickist. Though I am not ready yet, I dream of it. My ideal job would be a studio musician on bass and Stick, something that I may realize someday.