Drum Lessons in Ama, LA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

For begining students I like to start from a foundational stand point. It is very important to enstill good practice habits and technique in order not to develop bad habits in your playing. For drumming and other instruments, starting with rudiments, learning how to read music, and playing scales are a great way to help a student build their technique and ear up. I think it is really important to ask what kind of music the student is into or show them how the foundational basics can be used in an actual playing situation instead of just a boring regimented routine. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

Because every student has different levels of experiences, aptitudes, and learning styles, my teaching methods vary based on each student. Generally, I work with the student to come up with a set of goals to work towards achieving. I teach the fundamentals of the instrument through learning songs that are of interest to the student. I generally use notation (sheet music) and will use instrument workbooks if it seems appropriate, while focusing mainly on developing the ear through listening. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Djembe

I was raised in a musical family. My father, brother, and sister all played guitar. I began playing drums in the school band at ten years old. At twelve I got my first drum set. At fourteen I began playing in a band and started playing shows. In college I played drums in four different bands playing shows all over the city. After college I played with a punk band, a psychedelic rock band, a folk-rock band and an R&B artist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Bass Guitar Electric Violin Fiddle Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am not strict in one specific style. I try to be malleable in my approach as I get to know the habits and abilities of each individual. I've had students for whom I thought it best to be more rigid and repetitive drill based, while others seem to benefit from a more passive guru. It's a spectrum. Always, though, I try to control the pace of the session, to speak thoughtfully, honestly, and constructively whilst always maintaining the utmost respect for the struggles that a student is facing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Hello, my name is Gerald. I'm a professional drummer/educator originally from Norfolk, VA but I've been residing in New Orleans, LA since 2016. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in music production from Norfolk State University and my master's degree in jazz education/performance from Florida State University. I moved to New Orleans to pursue my musical career because of the history of great music in the city and by the recommendation of my FSU professor (Leon Anderson) who also was a jazz drummer in New Orleans for many years. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Growing up, I tried a dozen different instruments before I discovered the drums. I've had six years of experience and a lot of different teachers with different teaching styles since then, and one major lesson stands out: drums are hard, but consistent, mindful practice always makes the difference. The same lesson applies to almost anything. In my college experience, it always turned out that consistent work produced the best results. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I understand that as a teacher, my job is to not just teach the instrument or a song, but to inspire a deep, passionate love for music. The teachers that had the biggest impact on me and that I enjoyed the most were the ones who cared the most about my relationship to the music I was playing. Because of this, I make sure the student is always engaged in what they are playing and are enjoying it. Read More