Dominic V
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synthesizer, Latin Percussion, Keyboard, Djembe
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, New Age, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Dominic V
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synthesizer, Latin Percussion, Keyboard, Djembe
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, New Age, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 14-80
BA, University of Michigan, English Literature and Sound Engineering Minor, University of Michigan, Jazz + Contemplative Studies
2012 Performer of the Year, (Jazz Drumming for 32nd Street Jazz Band) 2014 - 2016 Music Director for Groove High Energy Percussion
Hello, Call me Dom. I'm a multi-instrumental jazz performer and producer. I studied sound engineering and literature at University of Michigan, and now I want to share my skills with you! I play most percussion instruments, and also am self taught pianist, guitarist, synth nerd and much more - I am comfortable with most styles as I am trained in classical and basic jazz theory. I teach all ages. My passion is unlocking the free and creative individual that exists in us all! My approach to music theory is a functional one; here are some semantics, now let's have fun. My approach to correcting form is a patient, observant and gentle one. You'll leave the classroom feeling energized, proud and with a new take on an old tune. Learning can be frustrating but I'll help you keep it fun, simple and structured. Cheers, hope to see you in the studio.
I have been coaching percussionists for the past several years as the music director for Groove, High Energy Percussion. These are driven, creative college students who put together thematic, physical and technically challenging performances. Think Stomp or Blue Man Group. I have also taught music and writing to children in Brightmoor, through a program called Seven Mile Music. Children aged 6-12 learned basic guitar, hand percussion, theatre, writing, and used electronic tools like synthesizer, vocoder, and drum machines (my favorite)! I like finding what your personal goals are and helping you get there. I like to coach by correcting form and style, but working on music and projects that YOU love and letting you experiment and have fun! Practice shouldn't feel like practice. Practice IS performance. The way you play at home is the way you'll play in front of other people. We'll touch up the details in the studio, then you'll be free and fearless in front of any crowd. I'm trained in breath awareness and other techniques to help with stage fright, nerves before a big show, etc. So if you're seeking to build confidence as a musician, we'll get you there :)
Music is for self expression, but it is also an art. I am not a competitive musician. When we improve, I believe it's because we compete with ourselves, and improve on our own terms. At the same time, if you are competing for a concert chair, recital etc., we'll set solid goals to get you to where you need to be. No matter your skill level, I'll introduce something that you enjoy and in a style you love. I will also challenge you to step outside your comfort zone with more difficult music and music that is stylistically less familiar to you. When we're learning, we can accomplish big feats by breaking them into small parts, focusing on small details that will make performing easier (or which require consistent practice). No matter what, we'll keep it light and fun.
I want you to learn at your pace and to reach your goals as a musician. We'll set realistic goals so that when we reach them, it's incredibly rewarding to see how far we've come together. Mistakes are necessary for growth. The more the better! Staying motivated is most important to me. When we overcome obstacles together, we can achieve great things. Realizing what we can't yet do as musicians helps propel us into growth. When we break things down and put them back together, things become a lot more clear. When we slow it down and bring it back up to speed, we know we're diversifying our skills and building a diverse skill-set as musicians. Practice makes perfect, but perfection can be found in the details of our human error.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.