Drum Lessons in Braddock Heights, MD

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching method goes beyond just technique; it's about unlocking the inherent creativity and therapeutic potential within each student. I believe the drums can be a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth, and I encourage my students to explore this aspect of their musical journey. While I guide them through a comprehensive curriculum covering diverse styles like rock, blues, jazz, and funk, my emphasis is on fostering a deep connection with the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Most of my experience with teaching has taken place while traveling on the road and helping individuals prepare for recording sessions. However for more than 10 years now, I've rendered my services at neighborhood schools (elementary and high school); music workshops; private homes; and local churches; working with young people as an assistant teacher, private music teacher and/ or teaching artist. The greatest lessons I have ever taught and that I believe that I can ever teach, are the importance of observation, listening, proper application and the embracing of patience while enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always aspired to be a versatile drummer. Growing up I idolized drummers like Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Dennis Chambers, and many of the jazz and latin greats. I learned how to play many styles of music along the way including: jazz, soul, funk, rock, pop, blues, salsa, samba, candombe, afro-beat, reggae, symphonic percussion, and the avante garde. I am a strong believer in developing solid reading skills, learning and listening to many styles of music, and playing improvisationally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

For beginning students I generally use some of the Alfred piano series, selecting those I think are appropriate. No need to purchase every single book of every level. Some students want to get directly in chords, while others wish to learn sheet music. For students who want to become more proficient classically, I will usually use the John Thompson system, along with my own curriculum of theory and hand exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching just before the age of 18 at a local music school. My initial training as a teacher was very formal/classical, but I began to experiment with more modern methods and technology and was eventually able to set out to create my own school. Soon thereafter, I had the opportunity to join a prestigious and wonderful program which gave me access to the biggest network of young musicians and teachers in the world. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For young beginning students, I use the Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. For middle school aged through adult students, I use either Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed or Standard Snare Drum Method by Benjamin Podemski. For young drumset students, I use Alfred's Drumset Method by Dave Black. For middle school aged through adult students I use Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice for rock styles and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin for the jazz idiom. Read More