Drum Lessons in South Alexandria, DC

Instruments: Drums

I have an arsenal of books I may work through or recommend for students from beginner to the advanced player. However, my lessons are customized to fit each students needs. The exercises or books I may work from are usually recommended to the student after assessing where they are skill-wise, what their end goal may be, or based on what tools they like that will help them retain the information the best. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

In addition to performing, my love for music extends into the classroom and private studio as well.  I began teaching individual and group lessons 8 years ago, and I love finding new and exciting ways to expose my students to the latest methods and techniques to better their playing and musicality.  I find that no matter what genre of music my students are interested in learning, consistent exposure to all styles is an invaluable tool in advancing ones abilities.  I am always interested in taking on new students no matter their goals or experience level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Also, I will use books by Czerny and early Bach tutorials. My teacher at Peabody, Fernando Laires was a student of Isidor Philipp (who himself was of the school of Chopin and Lizst) and as a result I teach the independence, relaxed form, and energy conservation of their schools of technique. For percussion I focus on rudiments, and stick control. When teaching drum set, I teach keeping time, fills, and cross-sticking. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I always enjoy sharing my approach to drumming with other drummers. Two years ago I hired a private instructor to coach me in the fine points of teaching. I then started teaching and love every minute of it. I am expanding my client scheduling from 5 per week to 20 per week. I believe I have found a calling in this profession, and love knowing that I am working my passion while helping other people grow as drummers, too. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

While attending The Berklee College of Music, Mark studied with, Jazz Great Gary Burton. Gary took Mark under his wing, and became an important figure in Mark's life. Through this relationship Mark developed relationships with such names, as McCoy Tyner, Michael Brecker, Peter Eirskin, John Schofield, Carla Bley, Makoto Ozone, Steve Swallow.and others. Mark Returned to the Washington D.C. area after an injury to his hands. He spent many years rebuilding his chops, and working as a studio engineer, and producer. Read More