Drum Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Drums, Accordion, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Music, Djembe

When I became more involved in instrumental studies and performance, I quickly wanted to help others achieve musical excellence through myself and my experience as a medium! I have been a leader in several musical groups throughout my schooling. I was section leader in my high school concert band, and was also named drum captain for my last two years in the drumline of the HPU marching band. I have been able to lead and mentor other students in the music department as well as in the marching band and it is one of my favorite things to see those around me succeed through my aid. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Synthesizer, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Latin Percussion

I applied to the Unviersity of the Arts and subsequently left the band to pursue higher education within music. I studied classical/jazz vocal performance and music education for 3 years, then switched my major to Music Business for the last 2 full years. I graduated in May and made the big move to Los Angeles to continue my spirutal journey. My learning and performing experiences reflect my teaching pedagogies and approaches! Read More

Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Djembe

I adapt my teaching style to the unique needs of each individual student. If a student needs to go at a particular pace in order to truly master a concept, I will never rush them through it in order to meet any deadline. I want to make sure each student has an extremely solid foundation in their fundamental technique so that they can expand their capabilities. I emphasize listening abilities in addition to sheet music reading because I believe a good musician needs to have both skills. Read More

Instruments: Drums

At age 13 years old, I started playing the drums, first with private instructions with some of the greatest drummers in New York City such as Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, and Rufus Bede Jones. I played in High school Band, University of California Jazz ensemble. I toured at many schools. I was on the same teaching staff with Tony Williams, Steve Smith and David Garibaldi. I teach all styles of drumming. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Being a competent improviser will reinforce ones musical vocabulary and performance practice 4) Ear training/Dictation - ear training helps contextualize where we stand in the musical world. listening to others and being able to decipher what they are doing helps us be that much better at what we do as performers. Learning how to dictate, or notate, listen or perform what we hear is one of the best ways we can become familiar with not only writing notes but also reading them and performing them. 5) Focused drum kit performance - this is our chance to put what we learn into practice and really develop our language around the drum kit. 6) Independence. Read More