Drum Lessons in Clearing, IL

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

As a professional musician myself, I am constantly working with new people and within new musical territories. Because of this openess to collaboration, I have garnered extensive performance experience, sharing the stage with acts ranging from Califone to Grizzly Bear, as well as with improvising musicians the likes of Anton Hatwich, Eli Namay, John McCowen, and Keefe Jackson. I possess a large rhythmic vocabulary from a variety of related and disparate traditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I like to get to know the student as I am teaching so I create small breaks to get to know who I am teachign and their interest, so that I may taylor my lessons to the student. For beginning students I like to use essential elements books as a guide for their practice. For adults I try to find out their long term goals and taylor my lessons to gettimng them to reach that goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I also strongly believe in the power of performance and having the opportunity to share what you learn and enjoy with others, so depending on the age I always strongly encourage finding performance opportunities of any kind, playing/practicing with friends, studying abroad, etc. However, as I said, every student is different, so these approaches have to be flexible in order to successfully accommodate my instruction to each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I try to keep lessons fun even though there's aspects that might be boring. So, I will switch from snare drum to drum set. Learning how to combine rudiments with drum set music such as jazz and rock is very beneficial. When my students are having trouble with a certain area, I do well with taking out that area and making a drill out of it. One of my specialties is that I will play the bass with students for various styles so they can have a hands on experience of the relationship of a rhythm section, phrasing, and timing. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I will also teach on the various parts and hardware of the drum set, what they do, how to fix/maintain them, and any other knowledge pertaining to knowing your kit and other percussion instruments intimately. Having been a working musician for 25 years, I will also teach how to approach all working situations, how to conduct yourself professionally, what to expect and not expect when you play out. I believe passing on the knowledge and experience of the working musician world is crucial for those new to performing out for the first time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for a few years now and playing professionally for 7 years. I've been playing guitar for over a decade total, and over the years I have not only learned how to play any style of music, but how to teach each style individually as well. I started learning guitar on a nylon string acoustic and playing songs from my favorite punk or grunge bands. Eventually I got myself an electric guitar and amp and things really took off for me. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Every student comes at a different level, no matter what age they are. For younger students who are just beginning, I feel like it is my job to first and foremost get them excited about playing the drums. I find it to be difficult to teach anything if the student dimply does not want to be there because they do not have a good relationship with the instrument. Once I feel the student is excited and ready, I usually introduce the "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This book is important for building skills in reading music, ear training, and general funky rhythms! Read More