Drum Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Flute, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Electric Violin, Double Bass

I have an interactive yet focused style of teaching. I can(but don't recommend) to use the Suzuki method. I feel that all aspects related to the instruments weigh much importance in teaching the student. However, with the Suzuki method, the student's primary focus is to learn pieces rapidly and climb the level of difficulty as fast as possible. This prevents him/her to fully understand and analyze the piece and lesson and it can also turn the student away from pursuing the instrument further.  Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I began playing drums at the age of 12 when I joined my middle school marching band. By the time I was in high school, my passion for music making and involvment with various performing groups had completely consumed me. I decided to further my musical endeavors by studying jazz performance at two different music schools. I have obtained a bachelors degree from Florida State University (2012) and a masters degree for the California Institute of the Arts (2014). Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar

I like to use familiar songs as vehicles to teach. In my UCSC class, I start with Beatles songs because everyone knows them and they're well-liked. I always like students to suggest songs they want to learn as well, since they will be more likely to practice and be more engaged in practice if the song is something they enjoy. I use these as vehicles to teach chord voicings, theory, intervals and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Drums, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Electric Guitar, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar

I am very flexible with the students I work with. Depending on how you learn best, I will adapt to your needs. I can teach through the use of books (such as the Suzuki Method, John Thompson, etc) but I am also an advocate for learning by ear, transcribing and chord charts. I am also a great transcriber and arranger. With that, I am able to adjust any song to any difficulty for the students I work with. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Drums, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard

My lessons are designed to fit each student's level and area of interest. For example, if a student wants to learn how to play blues piano, I'll assign him exercises to compliment learning that idiom, i.e. scales, chords and rhythm patterns. people learn best when they are interested in at that moment. I use the same philosophy teaching drums and trumpet. Specific methods are tailored to the student's current ability and age. Read More