Drum Lessons in Cottage City, MD

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

Mark Deffenbaugh is an innovative, and provocative Jazz Artist and Educator. As a keyboardist, composer, and producer he has turned the heads of many of the most talented and famous personalities in Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B. Mark started his career early, playing gigs, in the Washington D.C. area, starting at the age of sixteen. Within a few short years he had numerous live and television performances to his credit. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

On the first lesson, I like to help students create realistic, long-term goals for themselves. Then the student and I develop a plan to help them achieve them. Learning tools include method books, recordings of the lesson, and playing along with me. I also make solo pieces available, and encourage the student to participate in local recitals. My lessons generally follow the county public school's music curriculum and include rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sightreading, theory and song form. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Positive. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. I get the student to think for himself. In a sense we are ALL "self-taught players." My job is primarily correcting bad habits and introducing new material and techniques. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love adjusting to fit the needs of the student and am thrilled when a student turns this craft into a love or hobby! That is always my goal, to make sure that music is fun. That should be the most important facet. If it remains fun, I can always adjust my curriculum to tailor to the needs of the student. By doing so, I get to also grow as a teacher and human being! 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: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

An award-winning musician, I was a recipient of the 2016 Luminarts Fellowship for his outstanding performance in jazz improvisation. I relocated to Washington DC after winning the drumset chair for the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters in 2017. With the Sea Chanters, I've performed for the Chief of Naval Operations, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President of the United States at the White House, NY Giants halftime shows, and the Fireworks Spectacular with the Boston Pops. 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