Drum Lessons in Oxford, MI

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I try to cater my lessons to the interest of my students. If a pupil’s passion for music can be harnessed, then developing musical skills can be a simple process. I have a wide variety of material I teach from, including Ted Reed’s syncopation, George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control for the Snare Drummer and basic piano literature. I also use music selected by the student to create custom lessons. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginner students of any age, I would normally recommend Alfred's Drum Method Book 1, or Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming as they both cover a great intro to reading rythmic notation, proper grip forms, and snare drum method as they also start to incorporate rudiments. It often surprises people that the only purchases REQUIRED for starting to learn drums is: a practice pad, a book, and a pair of sticks (maybe a music stand). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I take everything in steps with students no matter what the age. My biggest approach I take to lessons is figuring out what the student wants to learn. If someone comes to me wanting to dive deeper into the styles of bands like Rush, we might not focus much time on snare solos (for example) because thats not what the student is interested in learning. I'm not saying that snare solos are not important, but I've come to realize that people will work harder at the things they're PASSIONATE about learning and not just the things they "should" learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

I find the Hal Leonard Series works as a tool for helping students understand musical concepts right away. For students who are more advanced I will plan their lessons based on what their goals are. Every student is different: Some want to compete in recitals, some want to play for their friends and family when they come over, some want to compose their own musical pieces, some people just wanna jam! Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My style is very hands on. We both sit together, either with just a snare, or a whole kit, and work through rudiments and get comfortable with everything drumming! I want my students to be excited that they are working towards being professional, competent and versatile - but, trust me, the whole experience is FUN! To me, nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student really getting it and becoming their own musician! Read More