Cello Lessons in San Diego, CA

Paul K

Instruments: Drums

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I started playing drums at a young age. I was influenced by different drummers I saw at concerts. My goal was to make a living in music. After receiving a performance degree I went on to music education. When I saturated teaching private lessons I knew I wanted to be a band teach. I lobe both playing and teaching music.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I monitor how the child is understanding the previous lesson. If the child can perform the last lesson and have progressed then I begin to introduce the next lesson.

When will I start to see results?
You will start to see the results after the first few lessons. As a beginner I will teach all of the basics of drumming. As long as your child practices the results will be weekly.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
The teachers that inspired me were my college professors. They inspired me by demonstrating proper ways to play as well as made the learning experience fun for me.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I always wanted to play the drums since I was a teenager. I loved going to concerts as well being inspired by listening to my favorite drummers.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud of teaching band in the same district for 29 years and retiring there. Also I have been put in the who’s who for teachers 3 times by former studemts.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes I have had many state drummers while I taught band. Not only where I taught but Private taught in other schools. I also have an ex student now teaching music in public schools.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master playing drum set is the coordination. As drummers we use all of our 4 limbs especially on the drum set. Doing one thing in one hand while the othe thing in another hand.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For drum set I use Drums For Kids by Hal Leonard. This one is great for beginners and has the student play a song to a recording ant the end of each lesson. I also use Drums Book 1 by Hal Leonard. This teaches basics as well as many different drum beats. For drum fill ideas I use 101 breaks by Assof Kraus. These are very good drum fill ideas

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
In a normal practice session I always start out with warm ups to get the hands moving. I go over certain drum exercises as well as rudiments. Then I always go over the sings I play for a show.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My first degree is Music performance. As of today I currently play in two Austin based bands I have an all level music certification and a Bachelors Degree in Music Eduction. I used this when I taught band especially. Both degrees helped me to become a better player as well as a better teacher.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
For me it’s dream songs. One of my favorite bands growing up is the band Rush Neil Peart was my inspiration to play the drums. First song I performed from them is Spirit Of The Radio.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
This I have not really thought about much. I have made a living in music and music only my whole life. From a young age that is all I wanted to do. So I most likely would have worked for my brother in the insurance business.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I have played many different Genres of music. My favourite music to perform is Rock. I grew up listening to rock Music for both my brothers and sister influenced me by taking me to concerts. I currently play in two rock bands out of Austin.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Well of course my main instrument is Percussion. In college I played most of the different intruments so I could teach beginners. I did this for my job for 29 years. The Saxaphone I was more successful on playing.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My Dad played music in high school. He played the upright bass in the school jazz band. My brothers and sister studied the piano some. My dad was my biggest influence though.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I advise my students that it is very important to practice daily. I also teach them the proper way to practice so they are utilizing their practice time wisely.

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