Gerald W
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Latin Percussion, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Gerald W
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Latin Percussion, Djembe
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Master Degree: Florida State University, Bachelor Degree: Norfolk State University
2013- Florida State University Graduate Assistantship
2010- Norfolk State University Honor Graduate
Hello, my name is Gerald. I'm a professional drummer/educator originally from Norfolk, VA but I've been residing in New Orleans, LA since 2016. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in music production from Norfolk State University and my master's degree in jazz education/performance from Florida State University. I moved to New Orleans to pursue my musical career because of the history of great music in the city and by the recommendation of my FSU professor (Leon Anderson) who also was a jazz drummer in New Orleans for many years. New Orleans has welcomed me with open arms and I have been able to play with, and learn from many great musicians here. The first significant gig I got in New Orleans was with the Jason Marsalis vibes quartet. Jason was also a teacher of mine in college and he hired me for many gigs upon my arrival to New Orleans. I was able to record a live record with him entitled 'Jason Marsalis Live!' (Basin St Records) and I've toured around the U.S. with his group since 2018. I was also selected by his father, the late great Ellis Marsalis to be in his group in 2018 and I've been fortunate to play with him locally and abroad. Lastly, I'm the drummer for the grammy award-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) and was featured on the latest record "Songs: A tribute to Allen Toussaint" and I have toured around the world with this great ensemble since 2017.
I have been teaching percussion lessons since 2010, when I lived in Norfolk, Virginia. I began teaching young K-5 students the basics of percussion like proper technique, posture, note recognition and values, different styles of music, etc. I began by asking the parents what their child was interested in and based on the conversation, I catered the lessons to each individual student. When I moved to Florida in 2013, I was a graduate assistant at Florida State University, an adjunct professor at Wallace Community College (AL), and an instructor at Mason's School of Music (K-8). I taught lessons to beginners through advanced drummers different techniques and styles related to jazz, gospel, funk, Latin, reggae, rock, marching band, classical, and many others.
I always start beginning students with proper technique. I believe that great technique is the foundation of a great musician. I use a few different method books including Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, Modern Rudimental Swing Solos, Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials among others. I also believe that all musicians, especially drummers should have a strong rhythmic foundation so I incorporate sight-reading, call and response, and ear training to build the young musicians' instincts.
The Key Is ENTHUSIASM! Learning an instrument is a challenging and sometimes even painful process so the key to keeping the students engaged is enthusiasm. I like to incorporate fun and practical lessons so the musician learns things that will help them be able to perform faster and more efficiently. I believe in positive reinforcement and encouragement as an instructor so students aren't afraid to mess up or feel tense. A relaxed musician can play to their best abilities so that is the environment I like to create in our lessons
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