Paul S
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Ukulele
Styles: Pop, Rock, Punk
Paul S
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Ukulele
Styles:
Pop, Rock, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
Bachelor Degree: University of Illinois Springfield
I am a musical hobbyist who has 16 years of experience playing in small bands in St. Louis, Chicago, and the Central Illinois area. I am a drummer first and foremost, but I play guitar and bass guitar as well. I have a non-music degree and have spent the past few years working as a full time zookeeper. While at my zoo, I served as intern coordinator so while I am largely new to teaching music, I have extensive experience as a trainer and mentor. I mostly play rock/punk and some of my favorite artists to play drums to are Nirvana, Blink-182, Streetlight Manifesto, and lots of others.
I have played drums for 16 years and I have played guitar and bass for around 10 years. I have never formally taught instruments for money. I have experience teaching drums to friends and it was a great experience. It is great to see someone start to absorb the information that you're giving them. Drums are about slowly increasing complexity and knowing when to introduce new concepts to the mix. What always seems to solidify knowledge and help rhythm when I have taught friends in the past is when I pick up a guitar and play along with the student as they play drums, once they've learned a part or a song.
A typical drum lesson for beginners, child or adult, will always start with an interest inventory. I would like to gauge the students' musical interests to shape the long term lesson plan. I like to find some of the student's favorite bands/songs to draw examples and teach from. Snare fundamentals such as paradiddles, flams, rolls, etc. will be taught as well as short and easy drum kit beats. Students will be introduced to drum kit sheet music to help visualize, but the focus of drum kit lessons would be on developing the ear to be able to pick up music quickly. Reading music is important but realistically, drum kit players will be playing by ear 99% of the time.
Finding a student's beginning skill level as well as interests is always the first step to making a lesson plan. I like to teach building blocks, make sure they are solid with those building blocks, then I introduce more complex ideas within the existing musical framework. You have to learn to wall before you can run! Another important facet of teaching is interest. If a student shows dinterest, then the pace/subject/direction will get switched up. Student interest will be the biggest factor for success so it is important to tailor lessons to each student.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.