Drum Lessons in Lakewood, CA

Instruments: Drums

I teach from a feel and improvisation stand point. I do start with basic rhythm studies but I love to allow for my students to explore the kit and their own comfort levels. It creates what I feel to be a sense of intimacy between them and the instrument. I believe that feeling comfortable with your instructor and your instrument harbor a much more positive and motivational learning impact on the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have an advanced level of experience in the following, Jazz, Chord Melody, Blues, Melodic Soloing, Harmony and Chord Theory, Ear Training, Fret Board understanding, and Songwriting. Most of this was honed while attending Musicians Institute. I was teaching on the side, but most of my time was spent writing, getting on stage, and growing within the industry. And that continues today. Today my living is built from teaching and working as a performing singer-songwriter throughout the city. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've found the most successful drummers can read well and play all styles. For beginning students, I generally introduce 'Syncopation' by Ted Reed along with 'Stick Control,' the PASIC 40 Rudiments, 'Alfred's Drum Method' for drum set, and technical exercises. For more advanced students, I like to use books like Rick Latham's 'Advanced Funk Studies,' David Garibaldi's 'Future Sounds,' 'Portaits in Rhythm' by Anthony Cirone, and 'The Art of Bop Drumming' by John Riley. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Teaching style could easily be summaried and paraphrased with my above stated pedagogy! Teaching style changes from student to teacher. I enjoy trying to decipher what the student enjoys hearing, wants to learn, prior knowledge, and desires are. These help in my search to find the perfect style at which the student understands and enjoys the task at hand.  Read More

Instruments: Drums

Use of writen exercises, as well as method books depending on the students skill level and musical interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Music has always been deeply involved in my life. I have played music since first grade, starting out on the piano. after dabbling with violin and other instruments, I gradually moved toward my current primary instrument. The drum set has revolutionized my understanding and love for this outstanding art form. I began playing in school bands all the way up through high school. Studying with great musicians such as Dan Robbins and Howard Stephens developed the beginning of my musicality with the drums. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

When I receive a new student the first thing I do is assess where they are technically and what their interests are. From there I develop custom lesson plans that are design to improve a certain technique while learning new music. For example if a student comes in and really loves Michael Jackson's music but doesn't know how to hold the drumsticks or read music, I will give them basic exercises to improve their lack of technical ability and then we'll apply it to a song. Read More