Drum Lessons in Clear Spring, DC

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience has been very minimal. Whenever I have someone who wants to learn I started them off just playing whatever as Ive done for some kids at my church. And a young teen in Our church in South Carolina. I am mostly a gospel/church drummer that focuses on gospel/ worship songs that uses our gift of playing an instrument for worship to God. To whom all of our inspiration comes from. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

It is this experience, that gives Mike an edge and understanding of what it takes to not only succeed in an academic setting but also in a 'real world' situation. Studying under great teachers himself, has given Mike the tools to design lesson plans specific to the student and be attentive to each students needs. Being a teacher of close to 25 years of all ages, he understands what it takes to make lessons fun, engaging, and all around great musical experience's that keep his students motivated and excited to get better on their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

I also played piano for the Goucher college dance program and gave lectures on Music History, Music for Dance, and Rhythm in Music. Through the years I have had a variety of students: both beginners; and also advanced who went on to music school. I also teach beginning adults, most of whom wish to play chords, sheet music, or entertain family. I have performed some of the most difficult music written, including the Ives 1st Piano Sonata, and selections for Messiaen's "Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jsus". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

 For beginning students, I teach with a method that would not "reinvent the wheel" learning notes on they instrument which makes sense to them easily. A,B,C, etc.. Once the notes are know without thought, they will have knowledge of how music is taught in the industry and from lesson plans like Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Everyone is unique (as GOD has made us) and there are unique ways one can grasp learning music..... Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! 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