Drum Lessons in Auburn, WA

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

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In addition to the recording and performing experience listed above, I've been a full-time private lessons instructor since 2010. I've taught at countless local schools, but found that the freedom of teaching completely independently (or, at most, through a referral program like Musika) can't be beat. The more of my *own* students I have, the more I can focus on each one, and the more time I have to plan out their progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I am a very hands-on teacher. We do lots of improvisation and call and response games and sometimes I turn on a record or even bring a guitar to jam with the student. Playing drums is a very visceral, tactile excersize, and I often tell students, "That right there,that is how it's supposed to sound! Memorize that feeling and try to recreate it everytime." I am also a huge advocate of having students listen to as much music as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first half of each of my lessons willaddress the basics of music theory(i.e. rudiments, scales, etc.) and technique. The second half of each lesson is about having fun! We will digdeeper into the musicmy student isinterested in,consideringthe songs from a musician's point of view. In dissecting the song we will learn about phrasing, feel, meter, melody, chord analysis, commonalitiesamong styles and the history behind the music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is laid back and technical. I like to go at the pace of the student and really make sure technique is perfect. With good technique you set yourself up for success and develop good habits from the start. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students, even in college, dramatically improve their sound with just a simple posture change. Once technique is handled, the doors to all genres of music are open. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My lessons are designed to fit each student's level and area of interest. For example, if a student wants to learn how to play blues piano, I'll assign him exercises to compliment learning that idiom, i.e. scales, chords and rhythm patterns. people learn best when they are interested in at that moment. I use the same philosophy teaching drums and trumpet. Specific methods are tailored to the student's current ability and age. Read More