Drum Lessons in Belews Creek, NC

Instruments: Drums

I gave my first drum lesson when I was just 14 years old. I can still remember how satisfying it was to be with students and witness the wonder and awe they had in their own hidden ability. My training has been both formal and informal, self-taught and others-taught, over the course of 4 decades of life. Equally, for many years Ive been fiercely committed to my own professional, spiritual, personal, and inter-personal development, which I feel is a potent path for any potential teacher/mentor/coach. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

From there, I began teaching as the percussion instructor at the same school during the beginning of my freshman year of college, lasting for the next 7 years after that. I'd also like to add that one of my former students from the same school is now the percussion instructor there. During my 7-year tenure there, I also taught as percussion instructor at many other high schools, middle schools and even a music conservatory, which was definitely the highlight of my teaching career so far. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I set goals for my students to achieve and once the basics have been mastered I open it up for them to decide. IF they want to be a performer I will work with them toward being a great performer. If they want to be a better technical player we will work on mastering techniques and continually challenging them, if they want to write their own parts we will work that way. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As stated previously, one of my greatest joys is seeing a student grow and thrive with a musical experience. I understand that not every one of my students will want to pursue music in their life, but music can bolster character, discipline, and creativity-- no matter their age. My methods include basic goal setting, encouraging and providing performance opportunity (no matter how small), and I also let the student's interests lead the way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching music full-time for eighteen years. Primarily, I founded and led the Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble (ECPE), a truly unique and acclaimed group. Our focus was on active music-making, performance, and recording. The group made three professional recordings, performed widely, and challenged audience expectations everywhere they did. Privately, I have taught drumming to many individuals, from young students just starting out, to professional musicians looking to add drums to their instrumental repertoire, to people needing help overcoming sensory issues. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I use a variety of standard drum method books such as "Stick Control" by George Lawerence. I also DVD's and other multi media for lessons. Read More