Dajhumbay R  
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Djembe
Styles: Jazz, Gospel, Funk, Hip Hop, Bossa Nova

Over the past fifteen years, I have helped conduct workshops and assemblies that cover information about the steelpan and music from around the world, including calypso, soca, jazz, Hawaiin, reggae, and afro-cuban styles. These events have taken place at, but are not limited to the following venues: libraries (for summer reading programs), summer camps, schools and even day care centers. As I've developed, I have taught music privately and publicly through the guise of ensembles including both steel bands and traditional western ensembles. It has been a pleasure working with students derived from a variety of demographics and age groups. In 2010 I taught senior citizens how to play the steelpan for 2 years (Independence Village White Lake, MI) and prepared them for a performance, in 2012 I taught basic percussion skills for a through a homeschool co-op for one semester (Troy, Michigan) and in the past three years, I've taught private drum set and piano lessons to students ranging from 7-40 years old. In addition, I've served as a general music teacher (grades K-6) and rehearsal sub at the following institutions; Ridge Circle, Hawk Hollow and McKinley Elementary schools, Dekalb High School jazz and wind bands (grades 9-12) and the CYSO steel band program (grades 4-12).

It is very important that students not only understand their instrument of choice but the systems that are set in music as they relate to their instrument and the genres they choose to play. This is why I will often start beginners off with the fundamentals and will continue to revisit them beginning of each lesson. For piano and any other pitched instruments, we'll start with the layout of the instrument and memorizing major and minor scales. As we work through the scales I'll have the student read short songs and excerpts from Hal Leonard's "Piano Adventures Performance" book. As the student grasps the fundamentals I will then assign level appropriate solo pieces for them to perform. Beginner drum students will follow the same model by starting with rudiments and the different pieces of the drum set/djembe. As they progress, I will teach them basic drum grooves in various styles (rock, pop, funk, latin, reggae etc.) that they can use in performance. I will also assign age appropriate songs for the student to practice each groove to. As a gigging musician, I prioritize setting up each student for success in the performance world.