Voice Lessons in Riverside, CA

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I decided to learn how to play Timbales when I caught myself learning Latin Jazz patterns and variations on a drum kit a number of years ago. I quickly realized that Timbales have a different function than drums. A different sound, and decided to buy a set of latin percussion instruments and learned how to play them with YouTube, and of course also learned by ear listening to a lot of latin jazz. Later on, I performed live countless times playing the instrument

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I truly love Latin Music. It's very diverse and challenging to play. I always listen to and practice Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Reggeaton, etc. Latin Styles are always super tasty. After that, I really enjoy playing European Metal, very beautiful as well

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would be an army member, I am planning to join the army to continue my education and keep growing as a musician as well. I would definitely be serving the US nation in the army. Will do in the future :)

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I don't have a dream piece to perform and here's why, every style is unique and you can make the most out of any combination of sounds and times, serving any song in any genre. I think it's important to have goals, but not a specific song as a climax of what drumming is

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I stretch, warm up and go back to basics practicing rudiments every time. Then I develop patters and start to experiment with different patterns and sounds. Always with principle and relaxing to the fullest when praticing, to later perform how I practiced :)

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use the Drum Method by Haskell W. Harr as well as Funk Drumming by Jim Payne. I decide to teach with those two because it almost any level of drumming and really make it easy for the student to progress efficiently

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Music Theory and Studying charts is probably the most challenging part about playing the drums, since it's a lot of memorizing and practice at first, also it sort of takes the "feel" aspect away of making music a lot of times

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
No, not yet :) I look forward to prepare students of all ages to be proficient and succesfully develop their talents winning school awards and having their hard wrok be rewarded

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Proud of being hired by local bands in Bolivia, because I played latin jazz and and afro-latin percussion instruments and music. As well as playing for a entire stadium with my church once, they gave us 30 min, and we made the most out of it.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Because I alwyays had interest in playing the drums, since I was 3, playing with a toy drum set and my grandmothers house. I was always driven by beat of any song and would learn how to play it by ear before learning how to play the instrument

When will I start to see results?
It depends on the student, but I would think that within the first month you'll be developing consisting skill and results will start to show. Remember, consistensy is key :)

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had a teacher that inspired me with every lesson, gave me always good advice and expanded my creativity by teaching me how to play different styles of music and embodying the way other musicians play

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If he speaks his native language and understands it, then he is old enough :) Music is a language, you learn to understand it and to speak it

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Consistency is key. Practice always at your level, concentrating on technique and what it all comes own to in the end, making music. Being yourself and developing your own artistic expression is always the goal

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
No, it dosen't. In my family, my mom is an HR Manager, my father is a criminal lawyer and my brother is a boxer. I'm the only musician in the family thus far :)

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was a gradual decision, I decided to continue my journey as a musician just for the love of it. I was practicing 2 hours a day so it was inevitable

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