Drum Lessons in Monrovia, MD

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching approach focuses on fundamentals of technique, grooves, taste, and good timekeeping. I am interested in a student becoming a good listener and being able to play a variety of musical styles. I integrate rudiments, reading, drum fills, solo ideas, improvisation, and developing a unique style. I use a variety of methods, including skills I heard as a pro drummer on stage in the studio. I make use of books and other lessons depending on the ability level of the student , but I rely on classics like "Stick Control," "Syncopation" and "Accents and Rebounds". Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been playing andteaching in the Baltimore - Washington area since 1977,and have performed for the Smithsonian Institution, the Governor of Marylandand the White House. These experiences, along with my education courses, helped shape the way I teach. Every student is different, which is why I love customizing a long term plan that is right for THEM. Helping to fulfill a student's dream is a satisfaction that never grows old, and it is always a thrill when a student masters a musical challenge! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

My teaching methods are entirely based on the current abilities and individual learning style of each individual student.  I do reference a few standard and time-tested method books for various skill levels, however, every lesson will be customized to the goals and needs of the student. I strive to keep up with current MMEA audition repertoire for those students interested in pursuing those opportunities on the local and state level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Prior to studying at Peabody I toured professionally with various jazz ensembles, including competing for first place wins at the Reno (Nevada) Jazz festival for two years. At Peabody I studied with Fernando Laires and later, Robert Weirich where I excelled in contemporary music and difficult avant guarde performance ensembles. I was also a frequent guest performer for the Peabody Camerata Ensemble under director Gene Young. In the mid 90s I created the Bachelor of Music curriculum for the Maryland Bible College. Read More

Instruments: Drums

With beginner students of all ages, I start with the Elementary Drum Method Book by Roy Burns, Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method book by Carmine Appice, and the Drum Rudiment Dictionary by Jay Wanamaker. I am a fan of helping my students learn their favorite songs, and will take time to go over the songs, bar by bar. Once the first 3 books are mastered you will move up to intermediate drum techniques, and studies to assist in developing total limb independence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since middle school, I have always loved helping friends with passages from solo and ensemble and band pieces, no matter the instrument. Whether it was rhythms, notes or intonation, even if I didn't know how to play the instrument yet, I would use a fingering chart and help them however I could. During high school, I would help beginner students that have never made a sound on an instrument learn the basics of what the instrument parts do, how to blow/buzz on the mouthpiece, and how to read music and play the instrument along with the music. Read More