Jeff M  
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band

Music should be fun. Period!  Whatever the student's age or background, I will help them achieve their goals and have a great time in the process!   I have been teaching (private and institutions) and performing for over 20 years.  My extensive touring and professional performing background offers students a real-world perspective and continually keeps students motivated and inspired.  Recently I was Adjunct Professor of Percussion Studies at William Carey University where I managed private lessons for all percussion instruments and wrote and directed for the marching line. In 2010-2012 I was a graduate assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi where I taught private lessons and rehearsed the percussion ensembles and steel drum ensemble.   In addition to my teaching practices, I have conducted many clinics in the southeast region and have been on the Vic Firth Education team since 2004.   Teaching is a way of life for me and I love to see students light up with enthusiasm when they have surpassed their own expectations. 

Beginner students of any age will be playing music with the band during the first lesson!   Although my curriculum is deep-seated in good technique, I believe it is important for students to develop fluidity and expressiveness from the very beginning.  I am an accomplished keyboard player and utilize this skill to accompany my drum set students while they play grooves and lesson exercises so they can understand how it all "goes together". Piano students will also learn basic rhythm comping skills and learn what it's like to play in a rhythm section while I accompany them on drum set.  I have my lesson booklet available for purchase in which each student can design their own curriculum to meet their goals.  I also recommend additional books for each student as they develop more specific interests and needs. Piano/keyboard students will learn all scales/ chord progressions, soloing ideas and work out of a fake book.  If the student desires to stick to classical or is just beginning, we will choose a lesson program that best suits their needs.