Michael A
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
Michael A
Instruments: Drums, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 12-80
Master of Fine Arts, Jazz Drums - California Institute of the Arts, Los Angeles
2-Year Diploma - Drummers Collective (The Collective School of Music), New York City
Bachelor of Science, Environmental/Civil Engineering - University of Technology Munich, Germany
2020 - Beyond Music Creativity Award
2019 - Beyond Music Public Award
2019 - Beyond Music Creativity Award
2015 - California Institute of the Arts Merit Scholarship
2012 - Drummers Collective (The Collective School of Music) Merit Scholarship
I absolutely love sharing music, whether it is with my students, or with fellow musicians playing together. It brings people of all different backgrounds together - and that's the great thing about it! I have been playing drums for over 20 years, of which more than ten I also have been teaching. I have played in original and cover bands both in Europe and in the U.S., where I've gained extensive experience playing live and in the studio. I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts, and spent two and a half years in New York City at the Drummers Collective (The Collective School of Music) to obtain a diploma there. I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Technology Munich. Aside from making music with other people, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and my experience with students of all ages and skill levels.
I have more than 20 years of experience playing in original and cover bands, both live and in the studio. I have performed and recorded in many locations in Europe and the U.S. For over ten years I have been teaching. I have taught private lessons, group lessons and ensemble lessons, guiding students through their first band experiences. I am proficient in many styles of music, including Funk, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Pop, R’n’B, Soul, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, other Caribbean and Latin styles, and others. I have taught students of all ages and skill levels, whether it is a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned performer, looking for a different perspective to inspire them.
I adapt my methods individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. The content of my lessons includes technique (efficiency of movement, injury prevention), creativity (cultivating one’s own ideas, grooves, fills), as well as developing independence (coordination) and soloing. I always apply these and more concepts to practical use and have my students play along with music, which is the best way to learn an instrument. This can be done in any style, including Funk, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Pop, R’n’B, Soul, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, other Caribbean and Latin styles, and others. For my lessons, I use a mixture of books and my own exercises, tailored to the student's exact needs. Books I work with include: Ted Reed "Syncopation"; George Lawrence Stone "Stick Control"; Gary Chester "New Breed"; Fred Klatz "In Time"; Peter Retzlaff "Baby Steps to Giant Steps"; Jason Gianni "The Drummer's Bible"; and more.
I am a dedicated teacher who plans his lessons individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach. I do not want to bore my students, or insist on working on music they don't enjoy. Also, one approach that works for student A might not work for student B, so I am flexible and happy to explain things from different angles, as many times as it takes for the student to fully understand the topic. I am open to suggestions and, of course, any kind of music or songs the student brings to the lessons and has questions about. Regardless of the student's skill level and age, I meet them wherever they are at, and help them progress and take the steps necessary to improve their playing. If the lessons are held at my space, I use two drum sets for teaching. This is more fun for both sides!
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