Evan O
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Orchestral Percussion, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Spirituals, Reggae, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Evan O
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Orchestral Percussion, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Spirituals, Reggae, Swing, Soul, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
MS, Murray State University, Information Systems
BS, Murray State University, Technology Education
Outstanding Sophomore, Junior, Senior - Marshall County High School, Benton, KY
Most Dedicated Junior, Senior - Marshall County High School, Benton, KY
Quad-State Gold Band (youngest percussionist in state history at the time)
I am an impassioned instructor who fiercely believes in the power of music. Within me lives a great sense of excitement for sharing this power with others along the various musical avenues people can follow. Not a day goes by that I don't play drums, guitar, or grab my phone to quickly record a voice memo about a musical idea or a new way to approach or teach on a subject. I still perform on the drumset 2-3 days a week - and it still feels like riding all of the best rides at the greatest amusement park in the world every time I play!
I began teaching drums and percussion around my senior year of high school (1999). For guitar/bass guitar, I began teaching sometime in 2009. I feel very fortunate regarding my teaching experiences. In the beginning and still today, I tend to spark a musical interest in people through performance -- and just as often -- conversation. Those I've had the fortune to work with have varied widely in age and experience. The majority of my experience has been with young adults, teens, and pre-teens. Teaching adults ranging from 20-65 years old is quite common. I also have successful experiences with children (youngest being about 6). I truly believe anyone can learn something about or from music and I certainly love the variety as well as a challenge!
Drums/Percussion: This being my main area of expertise, I can get you to where you want to be. My approach depends on your goals. For the drum set, my preferred approach is a bit like Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid. We will begin away from the drum set doing isolated hand/foot exercises (will need a practice pad), analyzing together music the student is interested in, and hammering home the importance of a relaxed body and proper posture. I have been playing drums for 25 years now. In my early thirties, I asked myself, "Knowing what I know after 20 years, what would I do differently if I were just beginning?" In essence, that is what I did - I started over. I re-taught myself using the concepts of the master teacher, Freddie Gruber. This was a tough road. However, I am so glad I did it. Even more than my playing, this decision influenced how I teach. At the end of the day, instead of training someone to be a drummer, I prefer to train someone to be a musician that happens to play the drums.
Of course, if you simply want to learn the drums so you can rock out in a band or impress your friends - we can do that to! There is no wrong way to play the drums!
Guitar/Bass: I am very comfortable teaching chords, scales, and songs. Again, analyzing some music together that the student is interested in is part of the process. Music theory will be discussed! Theory will not dominate the conversation unless the student shows a high interest for this. Some basic theory as it related to chords, chord progressions, scales, and music in general will certainly be beneficial. I will say, if you are wanting to learn how to "shred" like Eddie Van Halen or some of the hard rock/metal guys, I won't be much help unless a music theory discussion is needed. I can get you to that point, then I would need point you in another direction!While it is true I have been blessed with skill, it is my teaching style and easy-going personality that set me apart. I am an Analyst by day. Having sharp analytical skills greatly enhances my effectiveness as a teacher. I am able to provide every student a truly custom experience - no cookie-cutter formulas. Careful observations and thoughtful planning afford the luxury of keeping perspectives on the big picture (rock star vs. playing just one song at a friend's wedding) and the tiny details that only wisdom can address. I have a seemingly endless number of ways to make analogies and explain concepts in a clear manner. This skill gets better and better the more the student and I get to know each other. At the end of the day, students get the feeling that I am "with them". Their success and satisfaction is my only agenda. Above all, music is fun and is good for the soul. I tirelessly teach that discipline is vital t osuccess.
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