Nic W
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Latin Percussion
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
Nic W
Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Latin Percussion
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:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
2 years Jazz Studies, Wayne State University
Awards:
2003-2005 MSBOA 1 Rating, Livonia Churchill Wind Ensemble, Drumline
2005- D.A.F.T. "Best In Show" Award for Music Editing
2007- began instructing drums/percussion at Music Plus of Plymouth, MI at 20 years old
2013- joined roster for event band/company: Bluewater Kings Band
Overview:
Music is my passion and driving force, and I love to share that love with others. I graduated from Churchill High School in Livonia, MI after 4 years of drumline and orchestra, and went on to study 2 years of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University. Ive been teaching students ages 5-19 since 2007 and I love it. Lately, my main gig has been working on the roster for the illustrious event/wedding band Bluewater Kings Band. I love what my musically academic background has provided me, but it's always been the human connection of performing live that moves me the most. It's beyond wonderful to watch a student's expression the first time he or she experiences that.
EXPERIENCE
I started teaching officially in 2007 at 20 years old, very green, and have since come into my own as an instructor. I believe my ability to read students and assess their style of learning has afforded me the great honor of watching so many students thrive and enjoy music. I now have several students who have been with me for years (one since my first year) and it's truly amazing watching them grow.
METHODS USED
For beginner students of any age, I would normally recommend Alfred's Drum Method Book 1, or Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming as they both cover a great intro to reading rythmic notation, proper grip forms, and snare drum method as they also start to incorporate rudiments. It often surprises people that the only purchases REQUIRED for starting to learn drums is: a practice pad, a book, and a pair of sticks (maybe a music stand). Once a basic foundation is put down, focus can move to drumkit or other styles the student is more interested in.
LESSON STYLE
I believe the longevity I've been able to achieve with my students has come from the aforementioned solid foundation mixed with the students genuine interests and ability to see their own progress. I love teaching rock and pop (the stuff so many youngins want to learn) but always find creative ways to sneak in theory and academics. I also like to occasionally provide progress reports or "lesson sheets" to parents or students to make sure everyone is on the same page and still having fun! I'm great at blending all of what the student WANTS to know, with enough of what they NEED to know.
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