Drum Lessons in Maxwell, TX

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

My approach to teaching is to make it a fun and positive learning experience that they look forward to and stay inspired. Patience, encouragement and understanding of where the student is musically are crucial. I like to emphasize the idea that nothing happens overnight, only through effective practice and repetition. Having this mindset, they will no doubt see results in no time. I always like to establish a goal for each lesson, suggest cool drum videos on Youtube and make sure the student feels like they are free to ask a lot of questions if they aren't understanding something. Read More

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

For beginning drum set students, the program I recommend is starting with Drum Set Essentials by Peter Erskine. As skills in rudiments and basic patterns develop, I go on to materials such as Syncopation by Ted Reed (reading,coordination,technique), and Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone (technique). For piano, I go over basic theory,major and minor scales,chords and arpeggios and work in Piano For Adults by James Bastien. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele

I typically begin with rhythm. The best melodies would not be worth anything if they aren't played with rhythm. After a student gains basic familiarity with their instrument I use a metronome (a musician's best and worst friend. Instead of playing traditional exercises, I teach students their favorite songs and techniques typical of their favorite genres. With my understanding of theory I try to incorporate a tiny bit of theory into every lesson to make an initially intimidating subject more accessible. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard

For my drum students I start with the well- renown "Stick Control" by George Lawrence Stone because of it's ease of learning and incredible versatility to a percussionist. For Bass and keyboard instruments I begin by getting the student playing music the first day and then gradually introduce them to the musical notation, scales, chords, and arpeggios that take musicians to the next level. For these students I write excercises on manuscript paper to teach the value in learning to write and read music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I don't want to be too easy and I don't want to be too hard. We all have life events that keep us from practicing 16 hours a day. Also, you don't want to practice 15 minutes a week either. A good balance between work and play is needed. However, the student will be rewarded for challenging themself- both internally via self esteem and a sense of accomplishment, and externally with praise from me and friends and family. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Drums

After gaining a full schedule of students, I decided to initiate semester recitals to allow students the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. It is one of my favorite memories as an instructor! The pride on a student's face after they've demonstrated something at which they've worked so hard is the ultimate reward of teaching. After completing my teaching degree at Texas State University and accepting a full-time position, I devoted myself to my new career and no longer taught music lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

Each student is unique in the way they learn and progress. I come in to each new lesson trying to learn what works best for each student, as well as what each student is trying to gain from the lessons. For example a very young student may just need exposure to the world of music in a very fun learing atmosphere, while an older or more advanced student may want more a more intense lesson. Read More