Drum Lessons Mountain

Instruments: Piano, Drums

For Beginners, I usually begin with very rudimentary stick control patterns to get used to how the stick feels in the hands. As the lessons progress, then I will instruct patterns on drumset if wanted. The student can request whatever style of drumming they would like to delve into, anywhere from latin percussion to jazz drumset. I like to keep lessons fun and engaging for students of all skill levels and ages, so along with assignments I will come up with improvised grooves and patterns on the spot 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

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Latin Percussion, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Reading music is essential. To me musicians who don't know how to read music are like people who speak without undertsanding the meaning of the words they say. I also focus on ear training and understanding the instrument naturally, being that I feel its best for the player to have a mulititude of approaches to their understanding of their craft. Books I use in my methods are Carmine Appice Realistic Rock, Rockin Bass volumes 1 and 2, Mel Bay's Killer Fills, and Buddy Rich Snare Drum Rudiments.  Read More

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

Since I have had many different teachers in many different areas of my musical life, my philosophy is to be flexible and open as an instructor. I have learned many different methods and techniques, and depending on the type of lesson I'm teaching, I use whatever methods are relevant. Whether I'm teaching rock music, orchestral music, or even marching band techniques, my goal is to give students the skills and tools they need to have fun and be successful. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Cello, Drums, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Violin, Double Bass, Music, Electric Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical,jazz, and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More