Drum Lessons in Olalla, WA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is laid back and technical. I like to go at the pace of the student and really make sure technique is perfect. With good technique you set yourself up for success and develop good habits from the start. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students, even in college, dramatically improve their sound with just a simple posture change. Once technique is handled, the doors to all genres of music are open. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. 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

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

I have taught in the classroom, small group settings as well as one on one in both piano and drumset. My favorite thing about music instruction is connecting with the students on a musical and personal level.  I started studying piano at the age of 5, making it my career as a teacher after college and into adult life. Choosing to focus more on drumset and percussion studies at the age of 11, I then studied Percussion Studies in College, playing in many bands and in multiple styles. Read More

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 Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I love teaching percussion and I am interested in music of many cultures. I specialize in drum set, African drumming, keyboard percussion, and orchestral percussion. I also play steel drums and guitar. I have performed with numerous professional orchestras including the Tacoma, Federal Way, Tucson, Phoenix, and Juneau symphonies and was the principal percussionist and timpanist for the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra in Arizona. I have a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance with a minor in Ethnomusicology. Read More