Drum Lessons in West Miltmore, IL

Instruments: Drums

I firmly believe that nurturing passion for music and the drums is the ultimate goal of any private instructor. As such, I prioritize student agency to make their own musical journey. My role is to make this journey as smooth and efficient as possible by providing the appropriate materials and guidance. Though I always provide plenty of materials to enrich a student in between lessons, I don't enforce a particular practice schedule, nor do I ever scold students for meeting any "standard". Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Teaching music and percussion lies at the core of my career path. I have extensive experience in building curriculum and instructing in drum set, world/classical percussion, mallet percussion, music theory, and music history. My teaching career began in high school in my hometown of Sacramento, California when students from inside and outside of my high school band program asked me for lessons. This was a turning point in my life as I fell in love with teaching. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For young and beginning students, I focus intently on proper technique (holding of sticks, timing, 4-way coordination, etc.) to ensure a proper foundation for success. For older and experienced students, I look to work on a wide range of styles to help the student understand the nuances of performance techniques and promote an understanding of how interconnected various performance styles are. This ensures the student is capable of performance with a wide variety of bands and can adapt to other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I have loved music from a very early age and I have been fortunate to study a variety of instruments and musical styles. I grew up studying the drums, piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting. I have been in a cover bands, original bands, jazz bands, choirs, a country band, a steel drum band, marching band, opera, a pop orchestra, a hip hop ensemble, and musical theatre productions. In college I took my studies further by learning music theory and aural skills while still performing in ensembles and writing lots of music. 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

First things first. We will use ourearsto learn music before we spend time reading what musiclooks likeon paper. This is especially true when learning to play the drum set. How many rock or jazz drummers do you see reading music on stage? This is not because they can't, rather it shows that drum set playing is more about interpreting music--not necessarily playing it exactly the same all the time. This skill involves our ears, not our eyes. Read More

Instruments: Drums

A beginner private lesson will usually begin with wrist and finger exercises that establish technical foundation for exploring other rudiments. Secondly, teaching music notation. The four basic ways to divide the pulse and how they are notated. Third, 3 way co-ordination. Use of one foot and hands together. (Usually beginning and intermediate rock beats) Lastly, Application of all of the above to a musical situation. For intermediate and advanced students fundamental technique is still and will always be a part of how to better control and co-ordinate hands and feet. Read More