Drum Lessons in Azusa, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have an advanced level of experience in the following, Jazz, Chord Melody, Blues, Melodic Soloing, Harmony and Chord Theory, Ear Training, Fret Board understanding, and Songwriting. Most of this was honed while attending Musicians Institute. I was teaching on the side, but most of my time was spent writing, getting on stage, and growing within the industry. And that continues today. Today my living is built from teaching and working as a performing singer-songwriter throughout the city. Read More

Instruments: Drums

During the first lesson I always assess where the student is the learning timeline with their instrument. I also find out what the student's goals are with music. Once this has been established we work on a plan of action to acheive those goals. Since the vast majority of drum students are primarily interested in learning drumset skills, we will start working on this from the very first lesson. I tend to break drumset studies into these general groups: skills and technique, independence and coordination, groove studies, and reading. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have a strong connection to music education. I was significantly affected by music teachers at a young age and benefited greatly from strong music education programs. I have taught lessons to many students over the past 9 years and have a great appreciation for the art of teaching. Variety is important to me, and I will introduce as many different styles and genres as possible. Introducing people to musical instruments is very important to me, for the educational and communicative skills inherent in performing music can translate to any facet of life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The methods have to suit the child and vice versa. I like to began all students by really getting to know their (and their parents') ability, history, desires, needs, wants, ect. I like to base my teaching pedagogy purely around the child, the family, and their learning skills. Everybody is different and it's my job to explore all avenues that the student wants to accomplish in their musical experience. I have taken classes and studied Kodaly, Suzuki, and various other psychological approaches to education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I use Faber and Faber for piano, Hal Leonard and/or Mel Bay for guitar, and I actually wrote my own percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am very flexible with the students I work with. Depending on how you learn best, I will adapt to your needs. I can teach through the use of books (such as the Suzuki Method, John Thompson, etc) but I am also an advocate for learning by ear, transcribing and chord charts. I am also a great transcriber and arranger. With that, I am able to adjust any song to any difficulty for the students I work with. Read More