Drum Lessons in River Grove, IL

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Drums

The exciting part of teaching is when the students eyes are opened to the possibilities that are in front of them. I'm so lucky that I get to share that with them. Understanding is the key to momentum so it is up to me that each student sees what I see. Then the fun really begins. Teaching has been an exceptional gift for me to share. Every student of mine will achieve and succeed because they see how much fun it is to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I began teaching people how to play instruments when I was in high school, by teaching new students to the band how to play percussion. I then continued teaching once in college by volunteering at local high schools helping new students to the band programs learn brass and percussion. From there I worked with the Rich South high school band director and the Jack Hille middle school band directors. Once I graduated college I taught choir and instrumental music for the catholic school system for two years. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've always practiced flexible and student-oriented teaching style . All musicians are different and I teach looking at your preferences, tastes and background. The atmosphere of my lessons is friendly and open. Nevertheless, it doesn't take us away from our goals. Individual lesson plans are tailored after the first meeting and they are as individual as possible. You can go for having or not having your homework depending on your lifestyle. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

For beginning students, I like to stress fundamentals with a twist. I encourage my students to play along with music they like to keep them interested in what they are practicing. As the student progresses, I will either compose a short solo or provide a short solo in which they can apply fundamentals to. For intermediate and more advanced students, I like to let them guide their own instruction. After coming to me with topics they'd like to learn more about, I will provide exercises, musical examples, and pieces to help them assimilate what they have learned with me, to real-world examples. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My methods are executed with one core value in mind: create a life long learner and lover of music. This means I establish the fundamentals of theory with beginning students and reinforce them with intermediate students. Before an instrument is played, the concepts of rhythm, note value, and scales must be approached in an engaging way. With collaboration over curriculum, I would work with the student to find his/her interests and inspiration, making the journey worthwhile and fun! Read More