Drum Lessons in Benicia, CA

Instruments: Drums

A professional performer since age 15, Larry draws from a deep well of musical influence, including gospel, blues, funk, jazz and soul. These various genres have collectively shared his unique sound, his groove brand, which is in full display in his performances and music recordings. Larry's resume reads like a Whos Who list, having toured and recorded with those musicians listed above, as well as THE WHISPERS, MARTHA REEVES, THE MARVALETTES, CHARLES BROWN, BUFFY SAINT-MARIE, RANDY CRAWFORD and many more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

My experience dates back to when I was excepted into OSA High school, where I auditioned into the school for saxophone and piano officially graduating in 2008. I started working as a music instructor at the age of 14 for the East Oakland Youth Development Center (E.o.y.d.c), summer cultural enrichment program (S.C.E.P.),  teaching classes for students from the age of 6 to 18 about music theory, history, instrument technique, and how to play an assorted of instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to emphasize fundamentals, especially if a student is just beginning. I believe a strong foundation makes it easier as they progress. For all instruments I always have my students prepare both technical exercises and solo material. I always emphasize historical context to bring the music to life. I also like to teach the music theory side of music, explaining chords, sequences and progressions. I can inform students how to improvise in jazz, as well as play at the level required for symphonic performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My first job late in high school was to Lifeguard, and teach swim lessons. I also taught sports on weekends. I've worked with kids ranging from 6 months to 17, and also have worked with adults, and people with disabilities. I continued to teach, and work with kids for several years following. Times in between these jobs I began giving lessons to children I met through these programs I worked for that needed someone to give music lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I was raised up in Northern California in the arts of music and dance since a young age of three. I started lessons in Oakland, CA in dance, music and acrobats with Peggy and Leon Valdez and then tap performance and theater arts with Chorlene and Art Duane in Hayward, CA. I became very active in elementary school choirs with music instructor, Ms. Bell. My father was head coach for Oakland Dynamites-Pop Warner in which I would do cheerleading and coordinate field marches. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

In grade school, my commitment and knowledge in music continued to grow through my immersion in honors ensembles, wind ensembles, marching bands, jazz bands, local garage bands, and a percussion ensemble with two national titles (Woodbridge Percussion Ensemble). In the years following, I became an active musician in the San Diego/Southern California area performing in various styles and settings: jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, Funk/Soul/RB, Christian/praise music, Latin American (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean), electronic/EDM, Broadway, marching, orchestral, and avant-garde. Read More