Jonathan R  
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Punk

I started my life as a percussionist in 5th grade. Once I hit high school, I knew music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I still remember what it was like to perform with friends, in front of parents, on stages and on fields. Those moments still push me to be a better performer every day. I started giving lessons while in college working on my Bachelor's degree in Music Performance. I played with every type of group the university had to offer, including jazz bands, orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, percussion ensembles, steel drum ensembles, hand drum groups, musicals, accompaniment for the dance department, student recitals, rock bands, drum and bugle corps, and more. I continued with these groups while obtaining my Masters degree in Music performance, along with teaching undergraduate percussion majors, teaching university percussion ensembles, and assisting with the teaching of music major courses. Since coming back to Ohio in 2008, I've had the pleasure of performing with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Yellow Springs Symphony, several groups performing German music in the Cincinnati area (Hofbrau House), and have taught with Springboro schools, Butler schools, and Bellbrook schools. I also maintain and active performance schedule, playing with several area bands.

There are several books and web sites that I use to teach from, as well as a large personal library of method books and performance pieces from all genres. All are affordable and can be obtained at local music stores or online. I can make recommendations on books, sticks, drum pads, beginner or more advanced drum sets (as well as hardware, cymbals, ect.). I include music reading and, where appropriate, music theory into lessons. This helps to make a more rounded student, ensuring that they will fit well into any ensemble they should choose to be a part of. I focus on correct technique, and making a good sound on the instrument every time. Playing well is fun!