Drum Lessons in Brentwood, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

My method of teaching involves a musically comprehensive approach. Through practice in rhythm, harmony, melody, theory and ear training, my players become well rounded musicians. The goal is to be able to have an intelligent musical conversation with your instrument, and to know how to play whatever you want to play. In my lessons reading sheet music is optional, but not required. I want my students to know that there is more to playing than just what's in the ink. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Soon after, I started playing in cover bands and expanding my repertoire. In high school I won two downbeat awards for best pop/rock drummer (2004) and outstanding performance for jazz drumming (2005). In high school I played in various touring groups, and started Berklee in 2009. Since Berklee, I have worked on Celebrity Cruise lines as a drummer for jazz and rock bands, as well as playing for the theatrical performances and musical reviews. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My musical pursuits started in the 5th grade when I began playing in school band. Throughout Middle and High School I played in All County Jazz and Symphonic band. Upon my graduation I was accepted into Berklee College of Music on a merit-based scholarship and received my Bachelors of Music in Drumset Performance. It was at Berklee that I also began my teacher career and discovered the rewarded endeavor of sharing my passion for music with others. 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

Instruments: Guitar Drums

I am enthusiastic about teaching others both how to play and understand the art of music. In 2009 I graduated from North Central University where I truly fell in live with music and gained a passion for learning and performing through both my education and the rich Fine Arts culture in the city of Minneapolis where I studied. Since graduating, performing professionally has been a wonderful experience and tantamount to my ongoing growth as a musician. Read More

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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has started to grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I do try to maintain a balance of classical music, modern music, and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I took private lessons from local teachers and worked with Larrie London, but was cut very short due to his passing. I married in 1989 in Nashville, and moved to Wisconsin in 1990 (my ex-wife was a native Wisconsinite). I'd love to get back on the teaching circuit and share the awesome talent God has given me. Relocating to Nashville in 2019, I was quickly joined to a touring band out of North Alabama named Johnny Collier and the Misbehaviators. Read More