Darion Waddler hails from Virginia, where he was born with music coursing through his veins, growing up in a family immersed in the local music scene of Portsmouth. Playing drums in church at the age of 16, Darion gleaned technical knowledge from the more experienced players around him, which opened his mind to the possibilities within various styles of music. He went on to add to his educational repertoire by building connections with his professors and peers at Berklee College of Music. As of today, Darion Waddler is intimately familiar with many styles of music, including jazz, rock, country, pop, hip hop/r&b, calypso, heavy metal, and gospel. 

Darion Waddler currently plays at two Houston area churches, as well as with various artists and bands around the country. Darion has performed in festivals, concerts, weddings, and studio work, and his vast experience with genres has propelled Darion’s career as a drum teacher for the past two years. He is excited to be a part of the incredible faculty at Vivaldi Music Academy, and he is dedicated to meeting each student exactly where they are in their musical journeys, and helping them progress and perfect their crafts.