Drum Lessons in Westmont, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I began teaching private lessons 6 years ago, primarily teaching drum set, and continued to have students on and off as some of my students from my home town would take lessons seasonally when I was not at school. I also have worked as a battery and front ensemble technician at various high schools in Indiana and Kentucky, co-ran a World Percussion Camp at Central Music Academy in Lexington, Kentucky for two years, and have been brought in on multiple occassions as a guest lecturer/clinician for both West African drumming and dancing as well as steel band at the collegiate level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been really fortunate to network in the music scene to meet so many different people that have welcomed me into a myriad of musical projects with widely differing styles. I've been very active as a working musician, playing small bars, large clubs, festivals, private and corporate events, wedding, and even VIP section shows at large venues with national acts. The expansive diversification of experience at different levels has thoroughly prepared my to know how to survive as a working musician and I passionately pass on this gained knowledge and experience with my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

The exciting part of teaching is when the students eyes are opened to the possibilities that are in front of them. I'm so lucky that I get to share that with them. Understanding is the key to momentum so it is up to me that each student sees what I see. Then the fun really begins. Teaching has been an exceptional gift for me to share. Every student of mine will achieve and succeed because they see how much fun it is to play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I believe one of my greatest responsibilites is to foster a love and care for music. If the student is not caring about music,then why are they studying? How will they progress? The best students are the ones who teach themselves. I can show the student the door, but he or she must walk through it. My second greatest responsibility is to teach the craft of music - including all the disciplines it needs. Read More