About

Willie Rast is a professional drummer and music educator in central Florida working and teaching around the country. Holding an Associates of Arts degree from Valencia College, he was awarded the Central Florida Jazz Society Scholarship for 2004 and 2005 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rollins College.

​

He has worked as a percussion clinician for Seminole, Orange, Lake county public schools band programs for 20 years. For 15 years he was an instructor for the UCF/Valencia Rock 'N' Roll Camp. He was a fixed member of the British Revolution band at Disney's Epcot for 10 years. He performed in the studio brass band at Universal Studios, Florida for 11 years​. 

He has been the house drummer for the worship team at New Life Christian Church in the villages for the last five years. He eight years he has also done extensive touring with various tribute bands and he pulls from his experience to coach young musicians on the realities of performing and touring. Willie also has been the band leader for a corporate group in the Orlando area for over 10 years. He has been a private percussion and drum set instructor to children of all ages for the last 25 years.

His former students have gone on to earn music degrees as well as become masters at Juilliard, Belmont University, Florida State University, Cleveland, Institute of music and the University of Central Florida.
 

He serves his students through his studio spaces available for instruction and pulling from his extensive musical library and State Solo and Ensemble approved scores and sheet music.