Drum Lessons in Monte Vista, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My students generally comment that I am patient. I try to go at the right speed for the student, pushing them where it works but slowing down when needed. I'm very methodical and try to break things down to focus on the details so each piece of information is easily digestible and easy to grasp. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

For beginning learners I will focus on drum stick hand placement, grip, and control. This will fundamentally give the student more comfort in rhythm later on in the lessons. A proper hand grip and finding a comfortable position is key to starting the foundation of being a great drummer. We will also focus on the nomenclature of the drum kit. We don't just want to hit the drum kit, but we want to learn what it is we are hitting. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching when I substituted for one of my previous drum instructors while he was gone on a short vacation, and I instantly loved the whole process. Shortly after, I began teaching a couple of weekly beginning African drumming classes, as well as teaching through the Boys Girls Club. My experience with both of these positions was invaluable, and helped me realize that I love helping students find that moment where everything clicks! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

I work with my students at the level and pace that they are comfortably happy. We all come to music and music lessons for different reasons. My work is to honor that space and demonstrate that making music is an option for anyone who wants it, regardless of any perceived “barriers” in place. I am currently learning and researching models of Universal Design for Learning. I apply as many techniques as possible to engage with students and make the music both cognitively appropriate and musically enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

This can be done in any style, including Funk, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Pop, RnB, Soul, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, other Caribbean and Latin styles, and others. For my lessons, I use a mixture of books and my own exercises, tailored to the student's exact needs. Books I work with include: Ted Reed "Syncopation"; George Lawrence Stone "Stick Control"; Gary Chester "New Breed"; Fred Klatz "In Time"; Peter Retzlaff "Baby Steps to Giant Steps"; Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began 2 years ago when I started teaching a few neighborhood kids that my family knew. By word of mouth I gained 3 more but then I moved to Santa Cruz so I could attend Cabrillo College. These were private lessons all in the homes of the students. But now that I have my own studio, I have been inviting students over to study in my studio. I have been playing guitar for 10 years beginning with professional lessons, electric bass for 7, and drums for 5. Read More