Drum Lessons in East Hazel Crest, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I mentioned previously, I find it very important that every student be approached from an individual, customized standpoint. However, I do find it important that every student has a strong basis in fundamentals and sound quality so that they have a strong foundation which they can then build upon. For beginning students, I will typically start them with rudiments and eventually work them into a mix of published and improvised solos to foster both technical progress and artistic creativity. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Throughout college and beyond, I have been blessed with many opportunities to teach and serve my community. I was the principal drum instructor to students ranging in age from 6 to 35 at the Avon School of Music, a non-profit organization whose goal is to inspire local youth to fall in love with playing music. I taught private lessons to students in the College, Conservatory, and area public schools, and organized local benefit concerts for social justice as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. 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

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching private drum set lessons during my first year as an Eastern Illinois University student. I taught lessons for just about three years while in college. At one point, I had about 14 students to teach and fit into my busy schedule. I've learned a lot from that experience and now know how to manage time efficiently with a heavy teaching load. Teaching is a very rewarding experience especially when I can see the progress in my student's performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

I and other educators are there to make students available so they can find their own choices. So, from this standpoint there cannot be any certain theory or tutorial of guiding students through this learning process because every single student needs different and unique approach by us, (professors), to enable him/her to find his own way through music research, we, as educators are there to help and show them certain shortcuts to reach to the professional level that they want to gain. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love seeing my students excited about music. I like students to bring in music they feel passionate about so we can break it down and start to understand what makes it work. I find it important to set goals, adjust goals when things arent working and celebrate them when they are. Because of the great instruction I have had in my life, I understand the importance of being a teacher. Read More