Derek B  
Instruments: Drums
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Latin, Funk, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde

My teaching experience has had alot of learning experiences for myself as well. Every student is different. You tend to learn things about other students playing that in some ways helps your own. Ive always emphasized listening to as many styles of music as possible. The more youre comfortable with as a listener, the easier it usually is to learn. The idea is to have a vast musical vocabulary so as not to limit yourself when it comes time to look for work either as a performer, a teacher, or a session player. Ive found that the combination of different styles music and the techniques to play that music will make any student that much better. I get a great sense of self satisfaction in turning on new music to other musicians that they might not have otherwise came across. It has a way of lighting an inspirational spark and motivating them to get to higher levels of where theyre trying to be musically. Im a passionate player, and bringing that passion out of others is what I stive for as a teacher.     

My methods are pretty simple. The basic fundamentals are something every student needs to have a firm grasp of. Even when youre advanced, practicing these things is something that never stops. So a healthy dose of stick control exercises, as well as covering different hand positioning, grips, your setup in relation to your height and reach, foot exercises, dynamics, drum tuning, and how to utilize your practice time effectively is something Ill cover with all beginner to intermediate students. Two books every student should have in their arsenal Is "Stick Control" by George Stone and  "Progressive Steps to Syncopation" by Ted Reed. I also want to guage each students likes so as to keep the lessons engaging and fun, but at the same time instilling a level of discipline. For more advanced students, id simply guage their abilities and tailor the lessons to challenge and get them to those next levels.