Drum Lessons in Darnestown, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

While pursuing my musical aspirations, I also recognized the importance of education. I earned a Master's degree in Public Marketing, which equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact. My diverse background and expertise led me to a unique opportunity to work for the History Channel series "Road Hauks," where I contributed to a captivating program that explored the fascinating world of offroad trucking. Throughout my musical journey, I have never lost sight of my passion for teaching. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing is more important to me than seeing my students develop their passion for drums and music in general.I think its essentially to go at his/hers own pace. And encounrage each to reach their goal for that lesson. Acknowledging when the student is progressing, attentive and eager to keep on learning. I can successfully accommodate to each of the students wants and needs and vice versa their desire to learn the most of what I can teach them and the rest is learned along the way by practice, listening to music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am recognized internationally as a master drummer/percussionist and educator and facilitator, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge of rhythm and drumming with my students. I have been playing drums and percussion for over 45 years with extensive experience as a teaching artist in the classroom, a performer on stage, theater, and in the recording studio. I have studied with great teachers from many traditions in both drum set and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have an arsenal of books I may work through or recommend for students from beginner to the advanced player. However, my lessons are customized to fit each students needs. The exercises or books I may work from are usually recommended to the student after assessing where they are skill-wise, what their end goal may be, or based on what tools they like that will help them retain the information the best. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love method books and written resources. Most of the books I use are specific to the goals of the individual student. So below is a list of a few books that I like: Syncopation by Ted Reed Stick Control by George Stone Patterns series by Gary Chaffee The New Breed by Gary Chester Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice The Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley The Commandments of RB Drumming by Zoro Future Sounds by Dave Garibaldi Four Way Coordination by Marvin Dahlgreen and Elliot Fine Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin Studio and Big Band Drumming by Steve Houghton Universal Rhythms by Dave DiCenso Read More