Drum Lessons Mountain

Instruments: Drums, Recorder, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion

For beginners I ask what are their favorite songs and go from there. If they do not know then I usually play a popular song. I hope to get the beginner attuned with playing along and the importance of timing. With my guidance the student builds their own beginner book through our lessons. I give all students activities to work on during the week that I expect for them to show me at the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I start every lesson with the first lesson from my book called DRUM STUFF. It's what I call Basic Beat # 1 and it is the foundation on ANY song in 4/4 timing. As the student progesses, we work on other lessons with the goal of playing songs from various publishing companies, music they may have from band or songs I have personally written out or that they may have heard on the radio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My first priority is to make sure the student has fun. This keeps my second priority in check, which is to teach the student as much as I can in the short amount of time we have. There is so much I love about drumming that I want to share, and the focused, eager, and attentive students receive the full benefit of my teaching style. However, many students are more relaxed, so I adjust my pace accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trombone, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Euphonium, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard

The first thing I do when teaching a student is to learn what musical goals and aspirations the student may have. Then, depending on age and experience, I build a custom program for the student, which may include using various books, resources, and even materials which I have created. I have found that this is not only the most effective way for me to teach but also the most effective way to connect with students where they are and for them to learn at their own pace while also enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Synthesizer, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Keyboard

I like to think I'm a laid-back kind of guy, though I can get loud and boisterous sometimes when a student figures something hard out. I wonder sometimes if I don't get more excited about a student's breakthrough than he does! My wife sometimes tells me I have no "indoor voice," lol. I don't give grades (except for my college students, because I have to), but if I did, the grade would be either "A" or "I," as in incomplete, as in do it over until it's great. Read More