Drum Lessons in Salford, PA

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

I've discovered over the years that every student is different and require a custom approach tailored to what method works best for them. Some students do very well working through publications of lesson books, while others seem to do better with a less structured approach driven more by listening and muscle memory. In both methods, I find it important to lead by example, not only to be able to show them correctly, but also to inspire them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

As I said above, my biggest priority is to guide the student on their journey to discovering the music that they would like to play and create. When I was first learning, it was a struggle to unlock my own creativity and become daring enough to play my own music in front of others. Luckily, I had amazing instructors who helped me break out of my shell and find my confidence. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I try to cater my methods to the individual students goals and personality, however ultimately utilizing the same materials. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone is a great tool for drummers. It offers simple, effective patterns for developing technique, skill, and vocabulary. It can be used intensively or casually as we borrow concepts and patterns to work with. Rudiments are the foundation of quality drumming and they can be developed using this book as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I have 3 years of teaching experience, beginning when I was in college. I highly encourage regular practice because it gets the student comfortable with the fundamentals of their instrument. Eventually, this will allow creative freedom for them as they progress with their studies. I want my students to feel confident about their progress and abilities, so I encourage them to play with other musicians. Being a part of rhythm section can be a fun but pressuring aspect of being in an ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach my students to read music as well as to play by ear. I host 2 recitals each year. We learn one song start to finish and I hire a professional band to learn and perform the songs with my students at a local establishment or at my studio. I encourage all of my students to perform with our recital band. As far as books, I prefer to use the "new Breed", by Gary Chester, the ''Art of Bop Drumming'', by John Riley , and the ''encyclopedia of reading rhythms'', by Garry Hess, but there are many other books I recommend for specific needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

For all students, I eschew learning specific beats of specific songs, and instead teach them to hear/play/read/write beats from generic forms to specific variations. For this, Ive adapted my system of Seven Shapes for rhythmic permutation. For beginner students, we focus on hearing pulse, counting meter, and simple rudiments for basic stick control. Beginners learn basic rock beats, first one limb/voice at a time, then combing all parts into the complete drum set rhythm.. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I make sure that beginner students understand the instrument and start with the proper technique before they can develop bad habits. I try to pick a song or finger exercises for them each lesson as well as a few exercises where they can develop their reading skills. As a student becomes more comfortable with the instrument that is when we can get into more challenging pieces of music as well as different scales and exercises that will help them with their improvising as well as their overall understanding of music. Read More