He began studying piano at age five and has a rounded repertoire of classical and modern music. Drake earned his BM in Composition from San Francisco State University and studied at the Staatliche Hochschule fur Musik in Trossingen, Germany. Drake also engages in interdisciplinary projects such as kinetic sculpture, sound installation and video. 10 Etudes for Balloon explores virtuosic balloon playing techniques. Like other Etudes, each balloon etude employs at least one technical or compositional gimmick. Etudes may be performed on any balloon, regardless of size or color.