Drum Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've loved teaching since I first tried it in high school, when I mentored my own friends in the art of drumming. It's the perfect gig; I get to nerd out every day about the musical things that I'm passionate about with my students! Since graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz / Drum Set Performance, I've also kept busy performing at SXSW, Capitol Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot, Treefort, BAMF! and numerous Florida-based festivals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two. A typical 60 minute lesson run down: 5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up 15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style 10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves weve been working on and some exercises to improve technique 5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest 20 minutes - working on a song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My lessons are designed to fit each student's level and area of interest. For example, if a student wants to learn how to play blues piano, I'll assign him exercises to compliment learning that idiom, i.e. scales, chords and rhythm patterns. people learn best when they are interested in at that moment. I use the same philosophy teaching drums and trumpet. Specific methods are tailored to the student's current ability and age. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My teaching method is... You got to knowthe rules 1st, before you can then break the rules.This is how you develop your own unique style.And its what separates the Pro Players from the restof the pack. But even if you don't want to play professionally,maybe you just want to learn a few chords, licks,songs, for yourself, or to impress friends.That's ok too! I welcome every level and style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I enjoy teaching and watching musicians grow in their abilities. I like to give a solid base for a beginning musician to build upon while keeping lessons fun and interesting. Patience is the key, because I remember when I started playing and the more I practiced the better I became. I like to take our time and practice every exercise slowing until we become confident and then we will add some speed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first half of each of my lessons willaddress the basics of music theory(i.e. rudiments, scales, etc.) and technique. The second half of each lesson is about having fun! We will digdeeper into the musicmy student isinterested in,consideringthe songs from a musician's point of view. In dissecting the song we will learn about phrasing, feel, meter, melody, chord analysis, commonalitiesamong styles and the history behind the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More