Drum Lessons in Downtown Seattle, WA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is laid back and technical. I like to go at the pace of the student and really make sure technique is perfect. With good technique you set yourself up for success and develop good habits from the start. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students, even in college, dramatically improve their sound with just a simple posture change. Once technique is handled, the doors to all genres of music are open. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I began the study of trumpet in 1965 under the instruction of Les Beigle, noted Seattle trumpeter. In 1969, I graduated from Snohomish (WA) High School, where he played solo trumpet in the high school band under the direction of Edward Peterson. I received his Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1980. Instructors included Gary Peacock, Jim Knapp, Butch Nordal, Art Lande, and Julian Priester. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I am primarily a percussionist, with over 10 years of expierience playing and performing in jazz bands, marching bands, musical theatre, small ensembles, wind ensembles, and symphonies, and I was the principle percussionist for 2 years while I was in college. I also have 5 years of expierience on the trumpet, 15 years of guitar, as well as expierience with many other instruments. I love to perform as well as teach, and I believe that classical and contemporary do not have to be at odds, and I work hard to incorporate both into my own performances as well as when I teach.  Read More

Instruments: Drums

Thus, I find it great to set the curriculum aside for part of the lesson, either to allow the student some time to show me what else they've been working on, listening to, watching, thinking about, or perhaps to just jam and have fun. I also expect students to make progress on their own between lessons, though I understand fully from my teaching experience that the amount of progress I can expect is different for each student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

I believe that the first step towards building proficiency in an instrument is having fun with it. I strive to make the lesson space one that promotes positivity, experimentation and excitement - with these as a foundation we can make the hard parts more enjoyable! I take notes on each lesson and have a plan for the next one in mind. However, I always enjoy following a direction that the student is interested in and can cater lessons to personal goals however ambitious or modest. Read More