Drum Lessons in South, VA

Instruments: Drums

With beginner students of all ages, I start with the Elementary Drum Method Book by Roy Burns, Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method book by Carmine Appice, and the Drum Rudiment Dictionary by Jay Wanamaker. I am a fan of helping my students learn their favorite songs, and will take time to go over the songs, bar by bar. Once the first 3 books are mastered you will move up to intermediate drum techniques, and studies to assist in developing total limb independence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. 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 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: 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a musician, I believe that while learning and making music it is important not only to learn the fundamental techniques required for the instrument, but to have fun while playing. Playing and making music should be an enjoyable past time for all people of all ages, without judgement because of skill level or genre. Because of these beliefs, I try to diversify my playing in all genres on many different instruments in order to remove any biases against genres, and learn the true art behind all types of music, no matter how simple it may be. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been playing andteaching in the Baltimore - Washington area since 1977,and have performed for the Smithsonian Institution, the Governor of Marylandand the White House. These experiences, along with my education courses, helped shape the way I teach. Every student is different, which is why I love customizing a long term plan that is right for THEM. Helping to fulfill a student's dream is a satisfaction that never grows old, and it is always a thrill when a student masters a musical challenge! Read More