Drum Lessons Mountain

Instruments: Drums

I teach music the same way language is learned, as both involve learning to listen, speak, write, and read. I start students off with the skill of listening as I demonstrate how the instrument is played, and then move them into "speaking" by guiding them in the basics of technique that will allow them to begin producing basic sounds. As the student learns to create original musical ideas, I help them learn how to write them down in musical notation, which ultimately serves their ability to read music. 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: Drums

I dont believe in high pressure, the instructor student relationship should be one of support not rivalry or condemnation. That is not to say that a strong practice ethic is not expected. Repetition is a proven way to build any skill and drumming is no different. One of the most important aspects of practicing is to enjoy practice, so I work with students to develop a practice space and a routine. Read More

Instruments: Drums, Bass Guitar

For any lesson I prefer to have two drum kits, side by side, so that my student can see exactly what I'm doing (posture, form, etc). Though this is not the case most of the time, one kit is always fine. For beginning students I often start with snare drum technique, and depending on what the student knows already, basic kit beats. Intermediate students, fills and timing. Advanced students, advanced beats, fills, etc. Read More

Instruments: Drums, Conga, Djembe

I have taught in a more serious and rigid way before which does work for some students, but i think like anything in life, being able to enjoy the process week by week makes learning progress and a consistent and more rapid pace. There are many different possible ways to learn the drums and the other key to my approach is remembering and honoring the fact that everyone is unique and my job is to discover how you learn best and to continually look at what your goals are. Read More