Drum Lessons in Downers Grove, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

My teaching style is technical and yet open ended. I stress knowing scales, chords, inversions like the back of your hand to enable you to put them together just as we put the English language together. Letters become words which become sentences which become paragraphs which become stories. Keys become scales which build chords which build progressions which build phrases which build songs. Knowing this language of music, one can freely express what they hear in their mind outwardly to their audience. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style again is pretty simple. They want to learn , and Im there to help them. Setting goals and acknowledging the accomplishments. Teaching the student vital necessities to help them expand their own vocabulary with drumming, as well as introducing them to new music styles is a very good way for any student to excel in a rapid fashion. Inspiration comes from learning new things, so tailoring the lessons to get that inspiration out is what Im stiving for. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The Symphony Band recorded two albums with world-renowned composer Stephen Melillo, which Andrew was a performing percussionist on both, and the Principle Percussionist for the Whispers on the Wind album. The Symphony Band also recorded Alfred Reed's "Symphony for Brass and Percussion" for Alfred Music Group during the time Andrew was the Principle Percussionist. Andrew has also competed in the PASIC Collegiate Individual Tenor Solo Competition and has placed in the Top Ten four times, the Top Five Twice, along with a 2nd Place finish in 2008. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

i use many different books for different students. whether they are children or adults. i typically use hal leonard books such as fast track or play today or essential elements. other method books i teach are mel bay, alfred's, warner brothers, kjos, fjh, suzuki and many others. i have my own fun and fast way i teach to learn about music and your particular instrument. i motivate each student accordingly. and i guide them thru the many challenges music has to offer. in all, music should be a part in everyone's life. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I am currently a Jazz Studies/Music Performance Major with an emphasis on drum set at Northern Illinois University. I recently completed my third year and will soon begin my third year. I have a passion for performing and can be seen performing with multiple bands in the DeKalb area and in the Chicago area. Major performances/recordings include the following: Waukegan Symphony Orchestra (2016), PASIC Artist (2018), and one studio recording with the band Warped Wonder (2019). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students to read music and achieve excellence, and learn to play contemporary music using chord sheets, depending on the goals and preference of the student while stressing the importance of training the ear, which is where the confidence lies in the ability to play. Using methods that enables musicians to play what they actually conceive or hear rather than bore their listeners with licks and notes that work off a page. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

For beginning students and youth, I typically start with music theory and proper positioning. I have found an easy method for playing songs almost immediately. For students that desire sight reading as a priority, I will start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and walk them through exercises that will keep them sharp and focused. For adults, I want to learn their goal and their niche. I will structure my course around their needs. Read More