Drum Lessons in Derwood, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I've been teaching private music lessons since I first started college in 2004. I've taught at community centers, afterschool programs, and music stores since graduating in 2008, and started my own home studio about 2 years ago. I like to teach the rudiments, as the fundamentals of music and of one's instrument provide the solid base upon which all else is built, though I also stress creativity for all my students. I encourage students to draw from many genres of music, and not limit themselves to one style or method of playing. 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: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

This ability to switch between instruments and incorporate modern techniques of music making are essential to his teaching philosophy. From beginner piano, drums, and voice to advanced styles Mike can cover the gamut of musical goals for any age. Since graduating with a Masters in Performance, Mike has toured the country and abroad in several working groups that have played large festivals, clubs, venues, and notably the Kennedy Center, Strathmore and Presidential Luncheon at the White House. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

While in Chicago, I was featured on 10 album releases and shared the stage with many notable performers: Phil Woods, Renaldo Domino, Mark Colby, Tom Garling, Scott Hesse, Danny Barber, Bob Ojeda, Chris Madsen, Ron Perrillo, Victor Garcia, Patrick Mulcahy, Rob Clearfield, Dennis Carroll, Matt Ulery, Marquis Hill, and opened for Jennifer Hudson. As a sideman, I performed with many acts including the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Lowdown Brass Band, Frank Catalano, and Mucca Pazza to name a few. Read More

Instruments: Drums

With beginner students of all ages, I start with the Elementary Drum Method Book by Roy Burns, Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method book by Carmine Appice, and the Drum Rudiment Dictionary by Jay Wanamaker. I am a fan of helping my students learn their favorite songs, and will take time to go over the songs, bar by bar. Once the first 3 books are mastered you will move up to intermediate drum techniques, and studies to assist in developing total limb independence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

Most of my experience with teaching has taken place while traveling on the road and helping individuals prepare for recording sessions. However for more than 10 years now, I've rendered my services at neighborhood schools (elementary and high school); music workshops; private homes; and local churches; working with young people as an assistant teacher, private music teacher and/ or teaching artist. The greatest lessons I have ever taught and that I believe that I can ever teach, are the importance of observation, listening, proper application and the embracing of patience while enjoying the process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

That causes both sides of the brain to learn together. I do not rely heavily on exercises or drills, but prefer to find pieces that will musically teach the needed techniques. That being said, I do occasionally use portions of training etudes by Czerny, Isidor Philipp, and others as needed. However, I believe that technically problems and needs almost always have musical answers. Again, for percussion, I also focus on slow training, stick control, and rhythmic exercises. Read More