Drum Lessons in Winnetka, CA

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am recognized internationally as a master drummer/percussionist and educator and facilitator, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge of rhythm and drumming with my students. I have been playing drums and percussion for over 45 years with extensive experience as a teaching artist in the classroom, a performer on stage, theater, and in the recording studio. I have studied with great teachers from many traditions in both drum set and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

During my time teaching at Victor Litz Music, where I taught for 12 years, I was lucky to work with one student who had severe dyslexia. Though he had difficulty in a classroom setting, this students general reading and musical skills blossomed over the course of several years of instruction. Through patience and a customized approach I was able to reach him in ways that, according to his parents, no other teacher was able to do. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginners, I will start with no sticks in the hands at all! Just tapping on your legs with your hands and getting all of the limbs to work together is hard enough! Then we will put sticks in your hands and learn technique, and finally introduce reading music. One step at a time is the best as to not overwhelm the student. Reading music is an essential element to my teaching style and is a huge advantage when learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I adapt my methods individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. The content of my lessons includes technique (efficiency of movement, injury prevention), creativity (cultivating ones own ideas, grooves, fills), as well as developing independence (coordination) and soloing. I always apply these and more concepts to practical use and have my students play along with music, which is the best way to learn an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I would like to use my passion and experience to lead students in becoming more confident musicians. For example, I want them to progress musically throughcommunication, guidance, practical exercises, and an understanding of music theory and proper technique. In addition, I am a strong believer in positive reinforcement. Challenges are always going to surface. When this happens, it is important to focus on the student's achievements, and build on this progression with patience and understanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

I set fun goals and I challenge each student every step of the way to help them reach them. I point out their strengths yet I keep a close eye on their weaknesses and work with them to eliminate any all bad habits in playing instruments. After a few weeks I quiz them and reward them for overcoming any obstacles. I really like to have my students play in front of friends and family after around 3 months of studying. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More