Drum Lessons in Ashburn, VA

Instruments: Drums

Teaching has always been something that I just simply love to do. There is nothing better than watching a student gradually gain skills, knowledge and success. Teaching students also helps me to become a better musician. Sometimes a student can teach me something about myself either as a teacher, drummer or even as a person. A skill I have learned from my students is to be able to pick up if my teaching methods aren't breaking through to a student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, it is important to remember that the individual is key. From the youngest beginner to the seasoned pro, everyone learns in their own individual way. Because of this, I find it very necessary to hone in on the interests, aptitude, and abilities of each of my students in order to give them the best possible instruction. A student who is engaged on their own terms and who has a say in their own path through music instruction often becomes a successful and lifelong musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

On the first lesson, I like to help students create realistic, long-term goals for themselves. Then the student and I develop a plan to help them achieve them. Learning tools include method books, recordings of the lesson, and playing along with me. I also make solo pieces available, and encourage the student to participate in local recitals. My lessons generally follow the county public school's music curriculum and include rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sightreading, theory and song form. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Once students master these basics through the classes and the occasional take home studies, we will then work on rudiments around the whole drum set to develop freeform soloing, before moving on to Jazz and Latin beats. I ask my students to work on rudiments at home comfortably between TV commercials, and to work on the notation, reading and groove lessons for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for low stress progression. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

From 1995-2008 I served as principal percussionist with the Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra. As a member of the American Federation of Musicians, I have performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Opera Orchestra, the Baltimore Jazz Orchestra and, from 1997-2004, I was the drummer for the award-winning Peabody Ragtime Ensemble. I have performed with Grammy and Tony Award winning artists including pianist/composer Peter Nero, film and stage actor Richard Harris, Contemporary Christian vocalist Sandi Patty, Broadway choreographer/performer Tommy Tune and pop music vocalist Sheena Easton. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like Ted Reed's book, "Syncopation", and Haskell Harr's book "Podemski'sSnare DrumMethod." But I may bewilling to work with a similar book you have already purchased. I'll spend more time on "rudimentaldrumming"for those who aspire to play in a marching situation, and less time on it for those only in a concert band setting. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

For me, teaching is much more than showing each student everything I know as a musician.  My ultimate responsibility as an instructor is to understand the students' goals and recognize how they learn best.  While recognizing their musical and technical accomplishments, I encourage the students to maintain patience and discipline as they delve farther into the study of their instrument.  The greatest reward for me as a teacher is to inspire my students to want to work hard to develop their own sound, style, and passion for music! Read More