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Course Work: S.J.Delta College, Course Work: University Of The Pacific
"One Of The Best Drummers In Los Angeles" - HighWire Daze Mag.
!998 Montreal Drum Festival Guest Soloist
Host/Producer of DRUMTV (First Cable TV Drum Show)
Drum Book Author:"The Footiments" - 26 Rudiments For The Feet
"Connecting The Years" - Drum Clinics With Bill Ward [Black Sabbath]
I'm open to all things creative. From Mozart to Metallica, I listen to all styles of Music...This openess is how I approach life...In learning, creativity, and discovery. Learning how to read Percussive music, studying with some of the greatest Drummers in the world, learning how to write music, and learning how to play Rock - Jazz - Latin. All of these things exemplify my passion for learning and passing on what I have internalized. I combine my passion of discovery with practice and learning...You never know what you'll learn when you're open to everything!
After graduating from College, my local Music store was looking for a Drum Instructor. I had been taking lessons for almost 5 years, so I took a chance...applied and got the Gig. This began my journey in teaching Drums,Percussion,and Rhythm. I've lost track of how many Students I've helped...It's probably over a thousand. My youngest Student was 4...My oldest was 84. I have also specialized in teaching Rhythm to "non-Drummers" who are experiencing problems with their timing. I've taught in Studios,Students' homes, online, and at Summer Camp. I've always felt it was my responsibility to pass along the magic of how to play the Drums for the next generation of new Drummers.
I always start with reading, rudiments, technique, and time. I have my own system for linear rhythms - "If You Can Say It...You Can Play It! Stick Control, Syncopation, and the John X Book are my starters. First, I find out what the Student wants to learn and work their choices into their studies. Rock - Jazz - Latin - Drum Soloing - Time Problems - Double Pedal/Double Bass - Chop Builders - Independence...These are some of the elements I can focus on if wanted by a Student. Also, I focus on helping a Student if they come to study because they need help in an area they feel they are weak in and/or are finding difficult to learn without help. I work with newcomers all the way to Professionals.
After we decide on your lesson plans...I give you a weekly assignment. It is usually: "Nuts N' Bolts" (Reading - Rudiments - Rhythm)...Syncopation....Drums And Music (Drum Beats/Fills/Drumming Styles/Music Styles)...Soloing. My goal is simple:I give you homework every week. Your job - to the best of your ability - to work on it and return to the next lesson to exemplify your progress and be ready for new assignments and information. A weekly 1 hour or 2 hour lesson best fulfills this strategy. I'm patient and helpful.
Rick is truly amazing. Working with him taught me many things from timing and technical abilities but also performance and work ethic. There are very few players that have the ability to play drums musically and Boom is truly one of the best there is in the world. There’s no doubt if you follow his training and practice there’s no audition, recording, song or jam session that won’t benefit. Your family, friends and fans alike will appreciate the experience and professionalism gained from such a seasoned teacher. If you’re serious about playing the drums the value for your dollar cannot be matched. Since his lessons I recorded literally hundreds of records and toured all over the world and the skills I gained gave me an upper hand in every audition allowing me to choose my destiny and with whom. It’s been a great ride and I have no doubt that without him I’d have never gotten as far as I did.
Rick S. is a fantastic teacher, educator and player. When I started lessons with him, he took my playing to the next level. His teaching is methodical, well prepared and will definitely help you achieve your goals. He is also really well versed in the history of drums, different techniques and their origins and the music industry overall. And his bass drum technique and speed is ridiculous! I highly recommend BooM as your next drum and percussion teacher.
To Whom It May Concern, Rick has taught me drums for the last 20+ years. He is an amazing teacher who truly cares for and understands his students. He works hard not only during the lesson but also after wards to make sure that you understand what he is teaching. I remember I was stuck on this one drum rudiment and Rick spent a couple of lessons working with me through different ways to think about it till I got it. I highly suggest taking drum lessons from Rick!