Drum Lessons in Brentwood, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Drums

I emphasize the benefits music gifts us in regards to developing the brain as much as possible, while making music fun. No matter the style, the psychological benefits music offers are limitless. Giving the whole musical experience keeps people wanting to play and wanting to better themselves as individuals.Whether you want to learn your favorite pop song or a full Beethoven concerto, to anything inbetween, I will personally write a lesson plan for each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I began playing drums in the school band in 1987 at the age of 10 in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I took a strong interest in music throughout school and played in the marching band and concert band through to graduation. I played in a rock band with my brother until 1997. I majored in classical performance in college and eventually obtained a master's degree in that field by the age of 24. I performed in various symphony orchestras for more than a decade. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Everyone's learning style is different.  Part of being a great teacher is the ability to see what each student needs in order to feel inspired.  Music is my passion and my goal is to make everyone feel accomplishment with what they play no matter their level.  I'm glad that my students have chosen to play the drums. I take pride in laying a solid foundation with proper technique for them to build from. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

“Russ is one of the absolute best students I have ever had in my long teaching career at Berklee College of Music. Russ is very talented, smart, highly disciplined and open minded as a musician. Having Russ as a teacher will be an experience where the student will receive an effective, focused, and open minded approach to the students individual musical needs and interests.” -Dave Weigert, Drum Instructor, Berklee College of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching music about 10 years ago, and Ive always enjoyed working with students. Ive performed professionally in several bands on multiple instruments in the past 10 years, and Ive also done a good bit of studio work from composition and recording, to producing, to mastering. I emphasize practice, having fun, and learning useful skills as the keys to success in music lessons. I do believe a good combination of modern music, classical music, and music theory is the best way to become a well-rounded musician and maximize enjoyment! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

Often times when it comes to music instruction some misleading statements come up. A popular misconception is that playing a instrument is all muscle memory. This is not a complete or true statement. Muscle memory is only a part, it is the recall mechanism of what we have practiced. If you learn something wrong you will recall it wrong. Having a fundamental understanding of how drumming works can make the experience of learning to play great for the student. Read More

Instruments: Drums

With beginners, I focus on the fundamentals like working out of George L. Stone's 'Stick Control' and introducing rudiments while focusing on overall technique. I also work out of a book called 'A Funky Primer', which is a drum set book that has hundreds of different beat combinations. Depending on how the student progresses and what their overall goals are, I eventually begin to introduce difference genres and styles and more complex and challenging approaches to the drum set. Read More