Welcome to My Page!

Hometown:

Syracuse, NY & New York City

WHO I AM

Born in Ithaca, New York Karl has spent the majority of his life in the Syracuse, NY area. Having grown up in a musical household, it was a natural thing for Karl to take to music and drums, in particular. Both of Karl's parents attended the Ithaca College School of Music. Karl's father, Bob Sterling is a drummer, composer/arranger, and leader of several successful bands in the Central New York area for many years. His mother, Helen majored in vocal studies at Ithaca College and is also a talented pianist.

It was in 1970 when Karl was 9 years old that he first saw legendary drummer BuddyRich. At that very point he KNEW the drums were his instrument and started seriously studying and practicing. His first teacher was his father and after 4 years, at the age of 13, he started playing gigs with his dad's band. Karl also met and became friends with drummer Peter Erskine in 1972 at age 11. Peter had just graduated from high school and was on his first tour with the Stan Kenton Band. Karl and Peter have stayed in touch ever since.

Karl attended Onondaga Community College for 2 years majoring in music and studying percussion with John Barker. Karl has also studied drums with Danny D'Imperio, Joe Morello, Mike Melito, Wilby Fletcher, Mick Lewander, and Peter Erskine.

Over the years, Karl has had the good fortune to play with many wonderful musicians and bands in the Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City area's including; Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, Dino Losito, Jeff Palmer, Devin Garramone, Andy Calabrese, Rick Montalbano, Ron France, Bob DiBaudo, John Rohde, Mark Copani, Larry Arlotta, Mala Waldron, Steve Salerno, Miriam Sullivan, Classified, Eye Level, Moss, Prime Time, Seaflight, Diamond in the Rough, Dave Hanlon's Cookbook, John Puma, and many others.

Also an avid bicyclist, two summers ago Karl and his son, Nick bicycled over 1,700 miles in 14 days to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. Check out the cool video of their arrival in Dallas along with trip photos below. You can also check out the trip site at: bicyclingforlife.org.

Arrival Video of Bike Ride from Syracuse, NY to Dallas, TX July, 2005

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Below are photo's of some of my favorite musicians and people:

If you get a chance, please check out this network:

Visit New York City Jazz Network

What I do for a living

I am a musician/drummer

What I'd rather be doing for a living

I LOVE what I do!

My Passions

Music, Art Lover

Relationship Status

Single

My Site

http://www.karlsterling.com

My Site 2

http://www.sonicbids.com/karlsterling

My Site 3

http://www.newyorkcityjazz.ning.com

My Blog

http://www.syracusejazznetwork.com

Favorite Music:

I love so many types of music. When I was very young, I was introduced to several big bands, like Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson. When I was 12 years old, my life changed COMPLETELY when an English teach at school (Art Palmer) introduced me to the music of Billy Cobham and Return to Forever. Things never the same after that (THANK YOU, ART)!

From there I quickly branched out and discovered John McLaughlin, Miles, Trane, Weather Report, and the list goes on and on and on.

Currently, I've been listening a lot to the new Miroslav Vitous cd. I've also been listening to a new cd by a good friend of mine, Frank Briggs. His new cd "China Ranch" was just released and is INCREDIBLE. Some of the players on his cd include: Frank Gambale, Mitch Forman, Steve Weingart, and more! Go to Frank Briggs Site and check him out.

Another good friend of mine is Mike Melito. I've been listening to his cd "The Next Step." You have to check out Mike and buy his cd: Mike Melito. Mike is also one of my teachers.

Lastly, I'm on a HERBIE kick lately (and for about the last 35 years). Herbie is IT for me.

Which One?

PC

Favorite TV Shows:

Twilight Zone, In Living Color, Letterman

Tell us about your inspirations:

Elvin Jones, Vinnie Colaiuta, Peter Erskine

Favorite Artist:

Georgia O'keefe (she was my great-aunt, for real) and Joe Zawinul

Other Art Social Networks you belong to:

myspace, Face Book

Something really fun about you!

Hmmm. . . . fun? How about playing over the bar-line whenever appropriately possible in innovative ways?

How did you hear about Sabet.TV?

Ali Sabet