Drum lessons are customized for each student using time tested materials and my own lessons.
I teach all ages from 5 and up.
Styles Taught
Classical snare drum and percussion
Marching snare drum and percussion
Rock
Metal including double bass
Jazz
Latin
R&B, Funk, and Soul
World music
Modern electronic (hip-hop, drum n’ bass, dub-step, dance)
Supplemental lessons on Latin percussion, music theory, beginner piano, and music production
My method
Learning new skills can be frustrating. Frustration can bring tension. Tension is bad for making music. To alleviate this problem, I follow a three step process for teaching new skills/styles.
Activation - We activate the correct muscles using easy to follow technique exercises.
Preparation - We prepare ourselves for success by practicing simplified versions of the skills we want to master.
Initiation - We are initiated into a new way of playing using the most common rhythms of that style.
What materials do I use?
It is important that my students leave my studio sounding like the pros do. This means that they learn how to play, what to play, and how to make it all sound good. To achieve this, I cherry pick materials from the many classic drum texts out there and supplement them with my own creations. In addition to written materials, we spend a good amount of time using audio and video as well.
How I use digital technology….
I am always trying to find new ways to use digital technology to benefit my students. Some of my favorites are:
Using a digital Drumset so we can explore any type of sound we want and easily record student performances
Making personalized instructional videos for my students
Using a slo-mo camera to highlight bad playing habits
Using a metronome app to guide and time practice sessions
Sharing youtube videos and playlists
Making practice music to guide my students
Making and sharing instructional videos on youtube