Iron Sharpens Iron: Free Musicianship Workshop ft. Chris Pat & Alex Pruitt

Join us for Iron Sharpens Iron, a high-energy, hands-on workshop designed to sharpen your skills, elevate your discipline, and inspire your next musical chapter.

Whether you're a drummer or play another instrument, this workshop offers essential insights for all musicians seeking to grow.

Led by world-touring drummers Chris Pat and Alex Pruitt, students will explore what it truly means to be a professional musician. From skill-building to mindset, teamwork, and maintaining excellence on the gig.

What You’ll Learn

• Building professionalism on and off stage
• Musicianship, discipline, and teamwork
• Sportsmanship in music and handling high-pressure environments
• How to prepare for and maintain professional gigs
• Q&A and mentorship from two world-class artists

About the Guest Artists

ALEX PRUITT

Memphis has always produced iconic drummers, Alex Pruitt is confidently claiming his spot among them. From early local gigs as a young boy to worldwide stages with rap artist Al Kapone and now Tai Verdes, Alex has built a career defined by adaptability, energy, and passion.

A graduate of the Soulsville Charter School and Stax Music Academy alum, Alex’s roots in gospel, rap, wedding bands, and global touring taught him the value of versatility, whether playing acoustic grooves or crafting electronic styles to match the moment.

He has performed on major stages including Madison Square Garden, Lollapalooza, Jingle Ball, and toured internationally across Belgium, Germany, Paris, and more. With dreams of owning his own studio and becoming a solo artist, Alex continues to inspire young musicians through his commitment to growth, energy, and excellence.

CHRIS PAT (Christopher Bounds II)

Starting drums at age 3 in his father’s church, Chris Pat rose through Memphis’s vibrant musical landscape with determination, faith, and relentless practice. From community choirs to Hamilton High School, from wedding bands to national stages, his journey is rooted in both excellence and humility.

His breakout opportunities came from mentors in the Memphis band New Genesis, leading to work with R&B icons Howard Hewett, Glenn Jones, Tony Terry, and later, to national tours with ZZ Ward performing on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, and major festivals including Coachella and Bonnaroo.

After returning home to care for his mother, Chris joined Stax Music Academy as an instructor and built ChrisPat’s Drum Corner, now housed at the Memphis Drum Shop. His career took another leap when he was invited to join Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life tour, then later became the primary drummer for Christina Aguilera.

Today, Chris is a performer, educator, consultant, musical organizer, and proud father, known for his risk-taking, kindness, and commitment to helping others be great.

Who Should Attend?

• All 6th–12th grade students in the Greater Mid-South
• Drummers of every level
• Musicians interested in improving professionalism, mindset, and musicality