Denali W  
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Salsa, Showtunes, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

I began teaching privately during college and have been doing so continuously since then.  My experience over the years with these many different students has shaped my teaching-to-the-individual method.  No matter the type of learner I strongly encourage regular and devoted practice of one's chosen instrument and feel that an attitude focusing on constant improvement (no matter how small the steps) goes a long way.  I embrace a student's taste in music and tailor my lessons with those styles in mind.  Music lessons should be fun!

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows.  That being said I have to evaluate a student first to know exactly which materials will work best.