Holiday Gift certificates Shop Now!
4 Time Gold Medalist in WGI/WGAZ (For groups that I taught)
3 Time Gold Medalist in AZMBA/ABODA (For groups that I taught)
2 Time Runner Up (Silver Medal) in WGI Western Championships (For groups that I taught)
3 Time Gold Medalist in WGAZ
2 Time Gold Medalist in WGI Western Championships
My love and passion as a musician has brought me the upmost bliss and joy. In 2012, I was recruited to instruct Pinnacle High School's Percussion section, primarily focusing on the drum line and since then I have not missed a single season of being an instructor at 6 different high schools in the Phoenix, AZ area. My objective as a teacher is to provide students with the knowledge to not only excel in music but to apply those skills to everyday life. While I primarily studied marching percussion through Arizona State University's SDMB, I have extensive experience with basic to advanced drum set, auxiliary percussion and general music theory. Being able to travel across the United States in multiple bands/performance groups has brought me insight on different styles of music, forever allowing me to grow as a musician and as a citizen of society.
In 2012, when instructing was new to me, the learning curve on my end was not only vigorous, but extremely rewarding. Seeing the "light bulb" go off inside of student's minds or inspiring even the most unmotivated learner was more than enough to wrap me into private lessons and educating to this day. I have had the opportunity to work in a range of low income to privileged cities, and one aspect always holds true, when the pupil is having fun, comfortable and/or motivated to learn, then the road to success is without a doubt within grasp. I have a very dynamic portfolio of ways to influence and drive progress with students, because every student is different, and every one of my students deserves the most tailored experience to their needs. I have volunteered, instructed and sometimes performed with: Pinnacle High School 2012-2020 Peoria High School 2010-2013 Apollo High School 2013-2015 Copper Canyon High School 2014-2015 Skyline High School 2015-2017 Paradise Valley High School 2017-2020. By no means should I be the 'last stop' in their musical career. I'm always encouraging to enter other facets of music be it from competitions, performances to recitals. Most students even join in the creative writing process themselves, which I will always incline for students to push their boundaries. All ages welcome!
As in any profession, the foundation is first. Laying down the basics of the basics from technique to rhythm and introducing them to the fundamentals of percussion such as poise, posture, sound quality, and timbre. As for adults or persons wanting a specific niche in percussion no matter what skill level, I will tailor their interests into the direction needed. Some students want the "nitty gritty" and some just want to have fun without worrying about the subtle nuances. Providing a space for them to perform in front of friends and family is an essential part of the learning process to give checkpoints in their growth. While other participants can enjoy the comfort of video assignments and personalized feedback. Regardless of what direction anyone wants to take, I will do my best to provide what is most beneficial for the student.
The basis for my approach is simply pacing for realistic growth and making sure the student understands that becoming skillful takes time. For example, proving that learning the basics extends into even the most advanced skills in percussion and life in general. I will give continuous gratification in their efforts, while still maintaining a regimented schedule to improvement. Additionally, I encourage my students to practice at home and/or outside of lessons with video assignments and feedback at no additional costs. Lastly, but not limited to, showing them where ambition in the activity can gift them prosperity for more than just music.
I had Angel as a drum instructor for my high school marching band and indoor drumline, and I can honestly say I’ve never had an instructor anything like him. He has a passion for teaching that I haven’t seen in many instructors. He has a way of breaking complicated stuff down into simple things that you can understand, then shows you how to build those up and make you a better player overall. I would not be the drummer I am today if it wasn’t for Angel.
As a former student of Angel, I can say that he's the most inspirational teacher that I've ever had. He's the most down to earth person that I know, and every time I've had the pleasure of getting a lesson, it's been the most amount of fun that I could have ever had.
Angel is the most motivating instructor that I have ever been taught by and has a style of teaching that makes every student feel a push to improve. He has a way of making the most complicated rhythms understandable and playable. I have never worked with somebody as great of a teacher as Angel and would recommend him to anybody looking for an instructor.
Angel is one of the best instructors I’ve worked with. He’s super kind and is able to lighten the mood during rehearsals when you feel like you’re having a bad day. I highly recommend working with him!
I was in Pinnacle Percussion for 3 years. 2 of those years were on drum set. If it wasn't for Angel, I would have managed to do OKAY, but he was ALWAYS there pushing me to play better, sometimes pushing me to do something I didn't think I could do so I can find that, "Wow, I actually can do this." Most of the time he would help me break down my fills to the most micro level and help me figure out things like "where does my right hand have to be for me to hit that rack tom exactly on beat 2?" The fact that Angel has extensive snare drum/marching band experience means he also has a really good ear for rhythms. I got called out a LOT for rhythms. But looking back on it, I'm really glad he expected so much of me, because I feel like I still apply those strict standards to my own playing today. I would DEFINITELY 10/10 recommend Angel. Whatever you need, this guy is so versatile!
He’s literally one of the best teachers out there, he’s very inspirational and has gotten me and others to where we need to be. Not only is he one of the best teachers but also a really cool friend, if you’re looking for someone that is hardworking, talented, and a really funny/cool guy, he’s your guy.
Angel was my instructor for nearly 4 years in high school and prepared me for auditions for the ASU drumline which I marched on for a season. He is motivating, personable, and always tried to push me out of my comfort zone to be the best musician he knew I could be. His skill level is phenomenal, and his mindset towards greatness consistently pushed me to be better every single day. There was not one day that I felt was a "wasted" practice or rehearsal; it was always something new. Everything I learned from Angel is applicable to all other aspects of my life, and I can honestly say that I dedicate most of my success to him. I would 110% recommend him to anyone trying to become a better musician.
The way Angel teaches percussion has always been extremely effective for me as a musician. Even when some techniques or rhythms require an immense amount of practice to instantiate a muscle memory, he finds a way to catalyze the process and greatly increase my understanding of both the material and myself as an individual musician. From my experience on snare in Pinnacle Percussion for 4 years, Angel has spearheaded my growth as a musician, pushing me to become more physically dexterous and mentally focused. The amount of progress I have made in the time I've spent with that group is astounding and it is largely to Angel's credit. He has a keen ear for discerning rhythmic integrity and temporal accuracy along with a sharp eye for aesthetics and detailed visual components. It is obvious that both his knowledge of musical styles and his enthusiasm for the arts is extensive, making Angel an excellent instructor and mentor. If you ever have the opportunity to learn from Angel, I highly recommend that you take it.
Angel is an incredible instructor that was very patient with me when I was first starting my music journey. With his words of encouragement and his teaching style, I was able to understand everything quickly, and I learned to love music and to enjoy the work that it takes to become proficient at something. He believed in me and has always wanted the best for his students.
Whether you are looking for someone to start teaching you drums from scratch or someone to refine and push your current abilities; Angel is the instructor you want to work with. His extensive knowledge within both the marching arts and drum set performance will make sure that both your hands and mind are adequately challenged and improved. I've marched under Angel's instruction for 4 seasons (both indoor and outdoor), and can confidently say that he is passionate for what he does, and he will do all he can to help ignite that same passion in his students, and will work with them to keep that passion going. I highly recommend taking lessons from Angel as he is very well equipped to help you achieve whatever your goals may be within percussion.
Angel is one of the greatest people I?ve met, as an instructor, and as a friend. I?ve had experience with many instructors in my drumming career, but no one can match Angel in his ability to motivate and guide students to reach their highest potential. I?ve always had a passion for percussion, but Angel took that flame and expanded it into a roaring fire. He has not only motivated me to continue my journey on my own, but also in many other aspects of my life. He will always be someone I will look up to and strive to be. He was the percussion instructor at my high school for my junior and senior years, and helped guide me as a leader during that time. I became a section leader that my fellow students could look up to thanks to his guidance. I also had the chance to teach alongside him during a band camp and got to see him from the other side. He truly is an inspiring teacher and one that many of his students look up to. If you stick with Angel, the progress you see and the way he improves your outlook will keep you striving for greatness.
Definitely the best instructor I’ve ever had. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone
Angel strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment where said pupil can reach for their goals and push themselves beyond the boundaries they are capable of. He refines both small and large details in player’s techniques that makes for a huge improvement in their overall performance. If you’re looking to expound your abilities in percussion I would definitely recommend this positive and uplifting individual to be your guide!
I had the chance to learn from Angel over the course of multiple seasons. He is an incredible teacher overall; he inspires me to practice hard and become a better drummer. He encouraged me and pushed me in ways that I had never before experienced. His precise teaching style allowed me to focus on the smallest of details as well as understand countless complicated rhythms. I am so grateful that I had the chance to learn from a dedicated teacher like Angel, and I highly recommend him as a drum instructor.
Very responsive, always aims to keep you motivated above all else. Incredibly helpful and works with you to keep you challenged but not frustrated, and feel proud of your built skills but not complacent. Great teacher.
Angel is the perfect embodiment of a fantastic teacher. He knows exactly when to do things and how to portray them to a younger audience. He has helped so many that I know at Paradise Valley High School, and countless others around the state. He deserves the best credit you can give!
Angel is definitely one of the most hard working and successful percussion teachers I have ever seen in all my years of drumming, when being taught by him you will the absolute most about what you're getting into. I myself had the ability to learn so many new things from my first year of marching band up until now. Not only will you be satisfied with how Angel teaches but you'll want to push yourself to become an even better percussionist or preformer, the drive that Angel has is like no other. In the end you'll always get things done and learn something new I'm so glad to have met Angel throughout my years of drumming and I'll never forget what he has taught me and what I have learned, making me the percussionist I am today.
I?ve known Angel for close to 7 years, my siblings and I have been privileged enough to be able to work with such an amazing educator. The passion and knowledge he displays to every single one of his programs is remarkable. Not only was Angel drum-line instructor, but he has been an amazing mentor towards me, I will always appreciate the kind words of affirmation and inspiration he has offered me and I am forever thankful I had the opportunity to learn under him. I would highly encourage anyone who is interested to take a lesson from Angel, definitely.