Drum Lessons in Durham, NC

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I was born in Ukraine in 1977. At the age of 18 I was introduced to one of the"jazz guitar greats" who taught me theory and improvisation. Those lessons lit a fire inside me that has only grown stronger with time.I founded the band, Shykina, in 1997 and toured Europe for the next 6 years, releasing 3 albums. Since moving to North Carolina in 2004, I have shared the stage with Bobby Hinton, Aaron Mills ( Cameo ), Robert Sledge ( Ben Folds Five ) Robb Ladd ( Don Henley ) and others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion

I begin all students on snare drum. This allows for the proper development of hand technique that is the base of percussion. I teach the original 26 rudiments along with the Breeze Easy method books for beginners, or students that do not read music. With the drum kit I encourage students to become familiar with as many styles of music they can. I use the blending of styles to help mold the student from a drummer to a musician, and help create an individual sound; Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

From there, I began teaching as the percussion instructor at the same school during the beginning of my freshman year of college, lasting for the next 7 years after that. I'd also like to add that one of my former students from the same school is now the percussion instructor there. During my 7-year tenure there, I also taught as percussion instructor at many other high schools, middle schools and even a music conservatory, which was definitely the highlight of my teaching career so far. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Electric Guitar

What's important to me is that by the end of the day, they have learned something new, regardless of what it is. I maintain the pace of the students and I will make sure that they're learning at a comfortable rate. Usually I'll make sure that the goal for the lesson is obtainable and we can achieve. Then during the lesson we work through to reach that goal, and depending on the progress will then determine the pace of the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to 1990, when, while homeschooling my children, I taught drums and guitar as part of their curriculum. Since then I have given lessons on a part time basis. Through my experience, I have become skillful in identifying a student's strengths, weaknesses and learning style. My focus is on challenging students at their current skill level while encouraging them and making the process of learning fun. I work with students to identify their personal goals and work with them to identify practical steps towards reaching those goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I am a strict teacher and I try to keep a rhythm with all my students, however, I understand that not everybody has the same skills, time or motivation. Reason why I try to go to their own pace but demanding the best of them at the same time. Furthermore, I provide new lessons or exercises regardless they have practiced or no to encourage them to study at least one hour everyday. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning drum students, I typically like to start with the Percussive Arts Society sheet of rudiments to ensure a solid technical background as the student progresses. After that, we move on to simple reading and other drumming fundamental concepts including limb coordination, fills, phrasing and articulation, etc. With older students, I find it helpful to try and begin with what they are interested and comfortable in playing. This allows me to find connections and build lesson plans specifically for the individual. Read More