Drum Lessons in Kenilworth, IL

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

While I was still in high school in 1995, I began giving drum lessons to neighborhood kids. After a while, I realized it was something I could really get into. Before even graduating, I taught 10-12 steady students for quite a long time. Some of the neighborhood kids studied with me until they went to college. In the past ten years, I have taught in music stores and am now at the Kenosha Conservatory of Music for over 2 years. Read More

Instruments: Drums

First and foremost, my number one goal is to help my students achieve their goals - always! I believe that in order for anyone to make progress in anything, there must first be a (decently) strong foundation on which to build upon. What that means in terms of an overall application towards the drums (and percussion instruments in general) is that I believe having a strong understanding and foundation in reading music and general hand/feet technique (i.e. how to hold the sticks) should be developed in order to, for example, properly facilitate around the drum kit, regardless of genre and/or style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

I began teaching in high school with middle school percussion ensembles, drum lines, and several private students. In college when I wasnt studying, performing or rehearsing, I was teaching and being taught. I taught privately in my home studio as well as several lesson studios in and around the North Texas area for 4 years before moving to Chicago where I've continued to teach and perform full time. I encourage a regular practice routine as well as regualr lesson attendance especially when it comes to younger students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

For beginning students and youth, I typically start with music theory and proper positioning. I have found an easy method for playing songs almost immediately. For students that desire sight reading as a priority, I will start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and walk them through exercises that will keep them sharp and focused. For adults, I want to learn their goal and their niche. I will structure my course around their needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Mindfulness, patience, understanding, and passion are a few words that describe my teaching style. Creating a respectful and creative space for my students to learn is very important to me. I believe if a teacher better understands how a student learns, and what they're passionate about, the quicker the student will improve. Each student, with my help, keeps a handwritten log of what we work on in each lesson, making home practice more productive and organized. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners, after we learn the basics of the instrument, I employ a repertoire-based instruction model that has students bringing their favorite songs to me. I use this repertoire to teach important concepts, all while the students learns what they want to learn. As a student transitions into intermediate drumming, I start to introduce some technical exercises that will allow the student to grow into their own style and express themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. Read More