Drum Lessons in River Grove, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

I normally create a lesson plan that develop the student skills yet keep them interested in wanting to learn more about music not just a whole lot of theory. I also believe, the best way is hands on work. (Practical learning) I keep the lesson interesting and the syllabus simple for learn whatever it is I'm teaching with homework for practice. I enjoy creating lesson plans that I read from other books and use the books to help demonstrate and support the lesson I'm teaching. and to follow the guidelines for teaching. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I can say without hesitation that music is what permeates my soul in every aspect of my life. I have been playing drums since age 5 and played my first professional, paying show at age 16. I come from a large musical family with professional, working musicians and teachers, music has been center stage in my life for as long as I can remember. As a working musician, I have been in country cover and original music bands, original and cover alternative rock bands, Neil Diamond cover bands, a band where TV theme show songs were re-engineered to play out at shows, I've been in wedding bands, original and cover progressive rock bands, and various projects on the local and regional music scene. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students to read music and achieve excellence, and learn to play contemporary music using chord sheets, depending on the goals and preference of the student while stressing the importance of training the ear, which is where the confidence lies in the ability to play. Using methods that enables musicians to play what they actually conceive or hear rather than bore their listeners with licks and notes that work off a page. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

It is very rewarding to see my students develop a passion for music and excel at their craft. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, i can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More

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

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. Read More