Drum Lessons in Crystalaire, CA

Instruments: Drums

It is great to see my students have a passion for playing. That is because I love playing the drums every day. I emphasize that learning the basics can be a bit boring, but the end results will be a drummer with skills that will be in demand. Building a good foundation makes for a schooled accomplished drummer. I always teach by example. Students get to watch what I do...Not just what I say.. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion

I really work hard to customize the lessons to each student, discussing with them (or their parent) what their goals are.  For beginning students who are children, I use a few great books, some of which I even learned out of when I took my first lessons at age 6. For older students, I try to be open to any material they're intrested in.  If a student  is set on learning to play Beach Boys songs, we don't spend so much time on the classic technique and rudiments BUT over the last 15 years I've developed a system of incorporating fundamentals into practical application that gets my students playing real songs right away while improving technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Conga Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with CAGED System. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance looking into different genres such as RnB, Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz. 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. 5 minutes of warm up, 25 of theory, 20 of repertoire and 5 of talking about the next class. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a professional drummer originally from the San Francisco East Bay area. I started percussion instruction in elementary school at age 9, proceeding through high schools playing in the concert, symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. At 19 I joined the US Army, where I honorably served my enlistment, and continued to play professional gigs around central Texas. In 2003 I moved to Los Angeles to study at the M.I. (Musicians Institute). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Now I've recently moved to LA to pursue the next stage of my teaching and recording career. In the last few years, I've attained recognition and close partnerships with some of the industry's leading producers for excellence in songwriting, overall musicianship, and the potential for a long-term recording career. Some of these producers include Shelly Yakus (John Lennon, U2, Tom Petty) - Former vice president of A&M Records and nominee for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, Ziggy Marley, Motley Crue) - Three-time Grammy winner and top LA engineer, Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica, Kiss) - Top alternative/hard rock producer of the 90s and 2000s, and Nick Didia (Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen) - 40 millions record sold. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Ive enjoyed a distinguished career in Los Angeles as a player and a teacher since the 1970s.Ihold a BA in Music from California State University Long Beach and trained extensively under both Murrary Spivack and Richard Wilson, two masters of drum technique with hundreds of successful pupils worldwide. I'veworked or recorded with such artists as Bill Cunliffe, Bob Sheppard, John Patitucci, Eddie Harris, Tony Malaby, Putter Smith, Eric Marienthal, Larry Koonse, Darek Oles, Steve Cardenas, Scott Colley, Alan Broadbent, Gary Foster, and Alan Pasqua to name just a few. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching private music students in 2011 in the San Francisco bay area while I was in college for Jazz piano. I have taught all ages from children to adults and absolute beginners to advanced Jazz professionals. I use creative materials and concepts that the student will respond to in order to awaken their passion and musical growth. Each lesson is custom tailed to meet the students goals and engage them in their daily practice. Read More