Drum Lessons in Paradise Valley, AZ

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer

The first lesson I will assess the students playing to get to know them and their goals so we can get started right away. For beginners we'll be focusing heavily on Syncopation and Stick Control, two excellent books. When the student has a grasp on the basics we will work on dynamic control, limb independence, sense of time and ear training. Intermediate lessons include advanced poly-rhythms, trading fours together in different time signatures, fine tuning the drums and advanced sight reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Conga Latin Percussion

I write all my own lesson materials focusing on what the student needs to know to play, understand, and enjoy music to achieve their goals. I have used several method books in the past but find them all limited or focused on styles or technique that is not what the student wants or needs to learn. I can teach from any established method if that is preferred, but instead enjoy challenging the student to understand what music is and how music is played on their chosen instrument, not just to read. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Music Keyboard Djembe

Throughout the 8 12 years that I have been teaching I have been learning a lot about many different methods and teaching styles. I always had thought that what I was being taught could have been taught in a more natural and more efficient way. I have borrowed many of my ideas from some of the greatest teachers in history and believe the most in the bel canto method created but David Jacobsen who is an alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music, the greatest school of music in the world. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Hays State U.), Mark Schnose and Jeff Sallee, Inventors of the LP “Cube” Shakers, Chris Crockarell of Row-Loff Publications and others.                                        I first developed his international reputation in percussion, as a clinician and educational representative for the Ludwig Drum Company. He has taught and performed at major universities throughout the United States including Indiana University, Ohio State University, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas, the University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory of Music, the University of Wisconsin, and Northwestern University. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I have loved playing drums and percussionsince I was very young, and I enjoy teaching students who want to get out there and play. I played in band in grammar school and high school, and my high shool experience opened up opportunities to play for local cummunity theatre and local rock bands. In 1989 I graduated from theUniversity of Miamiwith a bachelors degree in Music Business and a minor in Jazz Performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student learns a different way and I always take the first lesson to evaluate what the student is passionate about. Some students want to get straight to playing songs and some want to learn sheet music first. I am comfortable with starting anyway they need. If the student starts to get bored after a few lessons I try and bring in new toys related to the instrument such as a new kind of cymbal or a slide guitar to try and spark some inspiration again! Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As I first approach a new student, my first question to them is "why drums?". From that response I have a better idea of where this student is most comfortable for playing. Their genre of musical listening is a strong consideration of the styles they would enjoy learning. By finding their strong points of playing building an individual curriculum for that student gives them a better opportunity to become a player to the best of their abilities. Read More