Drum Lessons in Cavetown, DC

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 Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Music Keyboard

We are using him for remote piano for our 5 year old daughter, he helped us with the setup and and it works really well! Already recommending him to my friends with younger kids! Silhouette-80 By Joe on 3/31/2021 Piano, Online Dave is excellent with my 5 year old daughter. Great approach combining music theory and technical training all while keeping the attention of my child. Could not be any happier with our experience:) Silhouette-80 By Avi on 3/31/2021 Audition Prep, In studio We had great experience with David. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music and Jazz can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More