Drum Lessons in Alexandria, VA

Instruments: Drums

2012-2005 Various Worship Bands 2012 Fill in drummer for various local bands, including Zahra Universe, Vivacious 7/2011 Went on tour with Keith Elgin Band 2011 GMU Battle of the Bands winner The Only (opened for Plain White Ts) 2008- Current Medlow, my band 2002-2011 Drum Lessons, Music and Arts and Private lessons with Mr. John Lapham Read More

Instruments: Drums

First of all, I believe that drumming is the most enjoyable passion and talent of my life. I strive to have my students feel the same way. Most projects in life are based around a strong and firm foundation and drumming is no different. The foundation of drumming is based around time, rudiments and grooves. I strive to teach all of my students to be very well rounded on these three foundation pieces with as many styles of music as possible. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Once students master these basics through the classes and the occasional take home studies, we will then work on rudiments around the whole drum set to develop freeform soloing, before moving on to Jazz and Latin beats. I ask my students to work on rudiments at home comfortably between TV commercials, and to work on the notation, reading and groove lessons for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for low stress progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

This ability to switch between instruments and incorporate modern techniques of music making are essential to his teaching philosophy. From beginner piano, drums, and voice to advanced styles Mike can cover the gamut of musical goals for any age. Since graduating with a Masters in Performance, Mike has toured the country and abroad in several working groups that have played large festivals, clubs, venues, and notably the Kennedy Center, Strathmore and Presidential Luncheon at the White House. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

For beginning students I generally use some of the Alfred piano series, selecting those I think are appropriate. No need to purchase every single book of every level. Some students want to get directly in chords, while others wish to learn sheet music. For students who want to become more proficient classically, I will usually use the John Thompson system, along with my own curriculum of theory and hand exercises. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga

Teaching an individual how to play drums is a very rewarding process for both the teacher and the student, and I find it ineffective to demand anything with unrealistic expectations. I introduce the student to simple and relevant information in a step by step way to ensure a comfortable learning environment that gives the student their own motivation to progress and get better. It is also very important for me to understand my student in a way that helps me better suite what they enjoy so they can get the most out of the learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More