Drum Lessons in Ridgetop, TN

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I love to kick off sessions with a student by asking them a couple of questions concerning there interests and what they specifically are looking to learn as each student is different and each students background varies. If a student is a beginner I will usually begin with a good entry level book called Stick Control which covers how to properly hold the sticks along with basic rudiments that coincide with music theory being able to play quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

For new learners I always start with an introduction to the instrument i.e. its makeup, terminologies, history etc . . . and printed material to help the student acheive an understanding of the fundamentals of the instrument. For Intermediate/Adult learners, I will get to know whath he/she is looking to learn or what area they want to grow in and plan the lessons accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I studied music in middle school and high school through wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, show choir, and private lessons. During this time I also attended music camps at McNally Smith and Berklee College of Music. I then moved to Nashville and graduated from Belmont University's School of Music. In Nashville, I have played with many independent artists across multiple genres as well as toured with bands across the country. Read More

Instruments: Drums

With beginners, I focus on the fundamentals like working out of George L. Stone's 'Stick Control' and introducing rudiments while focusing on overall technique. I also work out of a book called 'A Funky Primer', which is a drum set book that has hundreds of different beat combinations. Depending on how the student progresses and what their overall goals are, I eventually begin to introduce difference genres and styles and more complex and challenging approaches to the drum set. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

For a beginning student on voice or drums, fundamentals will be incorporated into their warm-ups each lesson and throughout the week. Each student has a reason for wanting to take lessons and incorporating that into the lessons will give the student more drive to practice. If a student discovers something while playing or doing warm-ups, we will continue down the road to see where the student's hands, voice, or brain want to take them. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching when I moved to Wisconsin in 1990. I had twelve students I taught at the Music Go Round studio and three students I taught in their home. I attended West Texas State University (now AM) in Canyon Texas from 1981 - 1983. In 1983, I decided to pursue a professional music career and tour with bands. After moving to Nashville in 1986, I was quickly humbled by the amazing talent out there and kickstarted my education again. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

Teaching is a passion of mine. Getting to share experiences with my students is truly rewarding and I know it is something I will pursue for the rest of my life. My teaching style is enthusiastic and engaging. I beleive no single approach or method works for every student and having the ability to adapt is an essential skill for developing lasting student/teacher relationships. I accomplish this with each student by underlining expectations through short term, mid term, and long term goals. Read More