Starting at the tender age of four, Joel began showing his love for drumming. His family noticed his gift and supported him in cultivating it. He was gifted his first drum set at age five, and never looked back.

Joel grew up in the church from birth, and began playing drums in church regularly around age 10. These experiences played a significant role in his musical journey. As time progressed, he decided to take his love for music a step further and do a bachelors of Music at Carleton University.

During Joel’s four years at Carleton, he became more well-rounded and versatile. He was under the tutelage of drummer, friend, and mentor Jamie Holmes, who helped Joel with developing skills in jazz, latin, chart reading, and much more. Joel cherishes his years at Carleton and is a recipient of the Friends of National Arts Centre Orchestra award.

Joel is currently a freelance musician, performing at live shows, touring, teaching, and doing session work. Joel is apart of various projects and works with some of the best gospel musicians, and jazz musicians in the city, and has toured around North America. Joel recently had the opportunity of being apart of the Ottawa Jazz Youth Summit, which opened up for the legendary Herbie Hancock.

Joel continues to work on his craft, mentor young drummers, and demonstrate his faith in Christ wherever he goes. It is his desire to help young musicians along the way and help them reach their full potential.