Guitar Lessons in Tucson, AZ

Instruments: Drums Music

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
It's important for beginners and intermediate drummers to learn from the same basic books that have been the staple for teachers and students for time and memorial. I make sure I incorporate lessons from: 1) George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control 2) Ted Reed' Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer 3) Joe Morello's Master Studies 1 & 2, 4) Podemski's Standard Snare Drum Method 5) George Lawrence Stone's Accents and Rebounds 6) Rubank Elementary Method I use so many other books that are too numerous to list.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The drums never cease to amaze me. There is always something new to learn or improve on. This instrument requires musicianship, strength, endurance, and 4-way independence unlike any other instrument. As a drummer, you need to "get out of your head", and let yourself go. Once you overthink something, your playing can start to sound academic. You must be able to execute without tripping over yourself. Unless you're ambidextrous, getting your non-dominant hand to do what your dominant hand does is the single hardest thing to achieve and maintain. Every one of my professional drum colleagues says the same thing, "it's a constant struggle and a lifelong challenge to build control with a non-dominant hand."

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being endorsed by HingeStix Practice Drumsticks was monumental for me. I knew I had arrived as a player and a drum teacher when I got that endorsement. But I also knew I had accomplished being a drummer when fellow musicians would tell me that I was a great drummer, perhaps the best drummer they had ever heard or played with. I know that I'm not as good as some, or better than others. But I appreciate the positive feedback. I've also written and produced music projects over the years that borrow from my percussion background to create driving music beds and themes for television and cable broadcast, and streaming digital platforms.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Like many children of the sixties and seventies, Rock n Roll was very popular. The English music revolution had taken hold. When I saw The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, the Kinks, and more, that did it for me. But it was the Dave Clark Five that pushed me over the top. Dave Clark was the lead singer and the drummer. That, too me, was the coolest thing I'd ever seen, and that's when I knew I wanted to be a drummer. I needed to be a drummer!

Read More