Drum Lessons in Smithsburg, DC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

 For beginning students, I teach with a method that would not "reinvent the wheel" learning notes on they instrument which makes sense to them easily. A,B,C, etc.. Once the notes are know without thought, they will have knowledge of how music is taught in the industry and from lesson plans like Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Everyone is unique (as GOD has made us) and there are unique ways one can grasp learning music..... Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga

For beginning students I usually show them a simple song and teach them how it relates to standard notation and drum set coordination through Ted Reed's Syncopation. Once the student can understand how each of the limbs work and how I will communicate it on a page, we can go over more songs and include other books which detail various beats that are recognizable as well as functional. After fundamental coordination is grasped we can begin to focus on rudiments and the application of certain hand exercises to the drum set to explore possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

I grew up playing both piano and drums. In addition to my Piano Masters at Peabody, I minored in percussion and performed with the Peabody Percussion ensemble in Carnegie Hall. In the Air Force I played piano with the Washington State Air National Guard Jazz band for two years. I then transferred to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard where I played Tympani and other percussion for the Air Force Symphonic Band in Harrisburg. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, it is important to remember that the individual is key. From the youngest beginner to the seasoned pro, everyone learns in their own individual way. Because of this, I find it very necessary to hone in on the interests, aptitude, and abilities of each of my students in order to give them the best possible instruction. A student who is engaged on their own terms and who has a say in their own path through music instruction often becomes a successful and lifelong musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Weekly lessons with me are structured around achieving attainable short-term goals. Daily practice sessions are encouraged, but thoughtful, intermittent practice sessions far outweigh the necessity of sitting behind the kit every day. I strive to make the atmosphere of the lesson relaxed and fun; I'm patient and accommodating for different styles of learners. Although I'm fond of several famous publications such as Stick Control and The Art of Bop, I don't rely on text as the only way to deliver a musical message. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like Ted Reed's book, "Syncopation", and Haskell Harr's book "Podemski'sSnare DrumMethod." But I may bewilling to work with a similar book you have already purchased. I'll spend more time on "rudimentaldrumming"for those who aspire to play in a marching situation, and less time on it for those only in a concert band setting. Read More