Juan R
5.0
(2)
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synthesizer, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Djembe
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk
Juan R
5.0
(2)
Instruments: Piano, Drums, Synthesizer, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Djembe
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Bachelor Degree: West Texas A&M University , Master Degree: Texas Tech University
2013 - West Texas A&M University Concerto Competition Winner
2017 - Presenter at The National Conference of Percussion Pedagogy in Fayettville, AR
2020 - Selected to present at the TMEA 2021 Convention
I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from West Texas A&M University in 2015 and my Masters in Percussion Performance from Texas Tech University in 2017. Throughout school, I was fortunate to have had opportunities to perform with various ensembles at the statewide and national levels. These experiences I was able to bring to hone my own skills to perform and teach at a high level. I take pride in my humble beginnings and I hope to bring others on their own journey that they can learn from and enjoy.
I first started teaching private lessons back when I was in college, shortly afterwards I started assisting with various public school percussion programs. After college, I was the Adjunct Professor of Percussion at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa, TX. While I was there I taught students who were in 6th grade all the way to students in their 20s and even one in their late 30s. For the past couple of years, I have taught public school here in South Texas and I have enjoyed experiencing what I love to do in a new place.
The method book I use often depends on the level of the student and what we are specifically working on, especially when it comes to percussion. In lessons, I typically use a book and then supplement it with other exercises or music. A former teacher of mine taught me how to create exercises for whatever I was struggling with when I was in 8th grade. To this day that is still a prevalent method I use because it utilizes the student's creativity and allows them to take ownership of their learning. I also like to occasionally use drum grooves or songs, instead of a metronome, to keep time. Students often listen differently when this happens, and they enjoy it when I take requests. We try to keep the lesson focused, and engaging; however, I am known for throwing in the occasional joke or reference in the lesson.
I tend to keep the learning environment focused and relaxed simultaneously. We have our goal for the lesson set, we work towards that goal, we evaluate, and then we go over what the student needs to work on for next week while I make suggestions on how to do that. I am fairly objective when I observe students. I criticize or point out what needs attention but I will also let them know what they did well or improved. It's sort of a bittersweet way of giving feedback. Everything they do has something that is done well and something that needs improvement. It is also my job to utilize the student's strengths while building their weaknesses.
Nathan Fawks
I had the fortunate opportunity to receive studies from Mr. R during the summers of 2016 and 2017. Through just a few months, Mr. R brought an extensive pedagogical palette of percussive music to the table ensuring that his students of varying technical knowledge were capable and prepared. Within these sessions, Mr. R developed and refined our technical capabilities through rigorous breakdown and study while pushing us beyond our levels of considered understanding. He delivered an array of creative methods of technical practice allowing each player to discover those methods that best suit their musical needs. His method of teaching is to set his students onto a better path for success. My success as a musician must have credit given to Mr. Ra in high recognition. Under his guide, I was made aware of musical selections I would not have likely discovered without his knowledge; and introduced to a side of my instrumental study of which I was previously unaware. I would greatly recommend any growing musician the opportunity to experience what Mr. R has on the table to offer. Whether or not you take a single session of study, you will walk away with a better understanding of your music.
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