Drum Lessons in Mchenry, IL

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm an experienced performer and private instructor. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies/Performance. I have had the privilege to perform with the top EIU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo with legendary guest artists such as Jason Marsalis, Vanessa Rubin, and Andy Martin. I have experience in performing different styles of music such as jazz, jazz fusion, rock, funk, and blues. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I will also teach on the various parts and hardware of the drum set, what they do, how to fix/maintain them, and any other knowledge pertaining to knowing your kit and other percussion instruments intimately. Having been a working musician for 25 years, I will also teach how to approach all working situations, how to conduct yourself professionally, what to expect and not expect when you play out. I believe passing on the knowledge and experience of the working musician world is crucial for those new to performing out for the first time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

For every instrument I teach, I always focus on tone primarily. To have whatever instrument the student is learning, be it drumset, piano, or voice, it is of utmost importance to me to have them re-sounding the whole body of the instrument with confidence, and with passion. When we start from this place, I then work on rudiments/scales, and aim to endow students with basic vocabulary, so that they may become fluent on their instruments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I like to get to know the student as I am teaching so I create small breaks to get to know who I am teachign and their interest, so that I may taylor my lessons to the student. For beginning students I like to use essential elements books as a guide for their practice. For adults I try to find out their long term goals and taylor my lessons to gettimng them to reach that goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

First and foremost, my number one goal is to help my students achieve their goals - always! I believe that in order for anyone to make progress in anything, there must first be a (decently) strong foundation on which to build upon. What that means in terms of an overall application towards the drums (and percussion instruments in general) is that I believe having a strong understanding and foundation in reading music and general hand/feet technique (i.e. how to hold the sticks) should be developed in order to, for example, properly facilitate around the drum kit, regardless of genre and/or style. Read More