Drum Lessons in La Plata, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

This ability to switch between instruments and incorporate modern techniques of music making are essential to his teaching philosophy. From beginner piano, drums, and voice to advanced styles Mike can cover the gamut of musical goals for any age. Since graduating with a Masters in Performance, Mike has toured the country and abroad in several working groups that have played large festivals, clubs, venues, and notably the Kennedy Center, Strathmore and Presidential Luncheon at the White House. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga

I am a dedicated and motivational instructor who loves working with students interested in the American tradition of playing the drum set and the many styles of music it is applied to. While receiving my Bachelor's of science in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University I took instruction from the Jazz faculty and became passionate in how to effectively manage cognition in the physical motions necessary to play the drums. I have devoted my years of instruction to as many genres of music possible, and I enjoy opening students minds to all possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. 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

Instruments: Drums

Timing is everything with drums. Students will learn the basic beats while learning how to add in appropriate fills to make what they're playing sound whole and professional. For intermediate students I will assess where they are in their playing and style they want to go for. I will then take that and teach them new ways to get to where they want to go. Being a drummer is a very fun activity, but being a great drummer takes patience and work. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I try to marry the goals of each of my students with the necessary skills of a complete, professional musician - time, style, feel, sensitivity, adaptability, and control. I tend to start with any grip/technique issues and then expand on the student's vocabulary, building on what already feels comfortable to them. Each lesson is completely customized to the individual; there is no "one-size-fits-all" delivery for each lesson plan - and that's what makes teaching such a fun challenge for me. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

I am an active performer and percussion instructor who enjoys introducing new students to the world of music as well as honing the skills of more advanced players.  I have earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I have had the opportunity to perform with various groups across the United States and Europe.  My private teaching studio is located in my home in Maryland, where I have all the instruments we will need to get you where you want to be musically!  Read More