Drum Lessons in Belltown, WA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

With each lesson, my main goal is to provide an atmosphere that is engaging and to cater to each student's needs. At the end of the day, I want to see my students not only grow in musicianship and technical skills, but also in their love and appreciation for music. While I primarily teach through method books and other pre-existing teaching material, I individualize my approach to each student because I understand everyone has a different way of learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two. A typical 60 minute lesson run down: 5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up 15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style 10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves weve been working on and some exercises to improve technique 5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest 20 minutes - working on a song. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I have been teaching percussion lessons since 1994. Along with my full teaching studio, I also perform regularly and coach the Tacoma Youth Symphonies and Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestras. I have also taught within the Auburn (WA) and Tucson (AZ) public schools as a percussion and music specialist, at The University of Rio Grande (OH) as an affiliate faculty member, at Ohio University and The University of Arizona as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, at Interlochen Arts Camp (MI) as the All-State percussion instructor, and at New England Music Camp (ME) as a faculty member. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More

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

I've loved teaching since I first tried it in high school, when I mentored my own friends in the art of drumming. It's the perfect gig; I get to nerd out every day about the musical things that I'm passionate about with my students! Since graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz / Drum Set Performance, I've also kept busy performing at SXSW, Capitol Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot, Treefort, BAMF! and numerous Florida-based festivals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

With my teaching style, I prefer to work on what the student has an interest in if they are old enough to know. There is no better feeling than to work with a student who is enjoying the study of the current material. I also enjoy teaching beginning composition and bringing out the music from within. When the child is at a young age, I incorporate curriculum that targets ear-training and listening, reading, rhythmic awareness and time-keeping, and theory. Read More

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

I began teaching privately during college and have been doing so continuously since then.  My experience over the years with these many different students has shaped my teaching-to-the-individual method.  No matter the type of learner I strongly encourage regular and devoted practice of one's chosen instrument and feel that an attitude focusing on constant improvement (no matter how small the steps) goes a long way.  I embrace a student's taste in music and tailor my lessons with those styles in mind. Read More