Drum Lessons in Chicago Lawn, IL

Instruments: Drums

I start with training your hands to play as effortlessly as possible. We do that by working on exercises I've developed along with Snare drum books. I look to customize lessons that fit each student. Together we pick books, and music that fits their needs. As we go along I add the necessary techniques that will move the student to higher levels of playing. I approach this as I'm the coach and I help make it as easy and fun as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

I am a very passionate and motivated instructor and performer, who's personal goal it is to spread the joy of music to anyone who wants to learn! I am a graduate from Oberlin Conservatory, where I studied jazz percussion under legendary drummer Billy Hart. During my time at Oberlin, I was selected to be the drummer in the inaugural year of the "Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble." The Ensemble performed at some of the top venues in the country (i.e. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have learned quite a bit from my teaching experience, but there are two things that consistently hold significant importance to me. The first is that every student is unique - no two students, no matter how similar their interests, should necessarily have the same curriculum or be taught the same way. The second is that every student should be constantly feeding their passion(s) - not every step of learning and improving always feels fun at the time, but if the student has a chance to be passionate about what they are doing, even the most difficult work will feel purposeful and rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students to read music and achieve excellence, and learn to play contemporary music using chord sheets, depending on the goals and preference of the student while stressing the importance of training the ear, which is where the confidence lies in the ability to play. Using methods that enables musicians to play what they actually conceive or hear rather than bore their listeners with licks and notes that work off a page. Read More