Drum Lessons in Cragin, IL

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching lessons after college in my home town of Boothbay Maine, working with young players in order to get a grasp for the teaching world. Over the past five years I have been teaching lessons off and on to various experience levels and learning styles which I believe makes me ready for anything. Seeing my students improve has been the most rewarding experince of my life. I take great pride in my ability to adapt to various students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I begin by teaching them the C major scale and many nursery rhyme songs that can be played at that key. I then elevate to simple blues and gospel songs in the Key of C for example, the C major blues. I will then teach C minor and the introductory song, Blue Bossa to acclimate students to the sound of C minor. Beginner students that seek to learn classical music will be introduced to Notation music theory from rhythm dictation, reading the grand staff and the introductory piece, Minuet in G, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

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

I began teaching people how to play instruments when I was in high school, by teaching new students to the band how to play percussion. I then continued teaching once in college by volunteering at local high schools helping new students to the band programs learn brass and percussion. From there I worked with the Rich South high school band director and the Jack Hille middle school band directors. Once I graduated college I taught choir and instrumental music for the catholic school system for two years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

For every instrument I teach, I always focus on tone primarily. To have whatever instrument the student is learning, be it drumset, piano, or voice, it is of utmost importance to me to have them re-sounding the whole body of the instrument with confidence, and with passion. When we start from this place, I then work on rudiments/scales, and aim to endow students with basic vocabulary, so that they may become fluent on their instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I am a working professional who enjoys enhancing the knowledge of young musicians, and watching them grow as people and individuals. I am a freelance percussionist, musician, consultant, and private lessons instructor currently residing in Chicago. I have worked withnumerous high school, collegiate, WGI, and DCI programs in Nevada, Alabama,Wisconsin, California and Illinois as an educator, consultant and clinician. My original works have been performed by the UNLV Star of Nevada Drumline, the Troy University Sound of the South Drumline, The University of West Alabama CatalystDrumline, the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps, along with various high school programs across the country. 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