Drum Lessons in Jarrettsville, MD

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love adjusting to fit the needs of the student and am thrilled when a student turns this craft into a love or hobby! That is always my goal, to make sure that music is fun. That should be the most important facet. If it remains fun, I can always adjust my curriculum to tailor to the needs of the student. By doing so, I get to also grow as a teacher and human being! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since middle school, I have always loved helping friends with passages from solo and ensemble and band pieces, no matter the instrument. Whether it was rhythms, notes or intonation, even if I didn't know how to play the instrument yet, I would use a fingering chart and help them however I could. During high school, I would help beginner students that have never made a sound on an instrument learn the basics of what the instrument parts do, how to blow/buzz on the mouthpiece, and how to read music and play the instrument along with the music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching approach focuses on fundamentals of technique, grooves, taste, and good timekeeping. I am interested in a student becoming a good listener and being able to play a variety of musical styles. I integrate rudiments, reading, drum fills, solo ideas, improvisation, and developing a unique style. I use a variety of methods, including skills I heard as a pro drummer on stage in the studio. I make use of books and other lessons depending on the ability level of the student , but I rely on classics like "Stick Control," "Syncopation" and "Accents and Rebounds". Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I started teaching while in college, beginning in 1987 and gradually progressed to teaching as a career in 1994. I have taught at the collegiate level at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. I have also taught award-winning drumlines at Calvert Hall College, Lansdowne High School and Dulaney High School, all in the Baltimore metropolitan area. I have taught students of a wide age range, including students as young as 5 to older adults in their 60's and 70's. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

I grew up playing both piano and drums. In addition to my Piano Masters at Peabody, I minored in percussion and performed with the Peabody Percussion ensemble in Carnegie Hall. In the Air Force I played piano with the Washington State Air National Guard Jazz band for two years. I then transferred to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard where I played Tympani and other percussion for the Air Force Symphonic Band in Harrisburg. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

For begining student I typically start with a book called Essential Elements. I supplement some of the things in the book with other literature and hand written exercise to help enhance learning experience. For Adults I try to find what genre and music style they would like to work on. This then allows me to plan a custom learning experience that best suits them and what they're looking to gain from the experience. Read More