Drum Lessons in Elwood, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Andrew was voted the 2004 Pioneer Marching Percussion Member of the Year by the educational and administrative staff. He has taught and had original compositions and arrangements played by high school drum lines in Illinois, Alabama, and Nevada; including collegiate ensemles such as the UNLV Star of Nevada Drum Line, the UWA Catalyst Drum Line, and the Troy University Sound of the South Drum Line. Andrew was most recently a Percussion Instructor for the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he primarily instructed the Tenor Line, but also ran many rehearsals and worked with all the percussive sections. 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: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Club, NYC), gave benefit concerts to raise money for social justice work, performed and provided instruction at underfunded public schools in the Ohio/New Jersey/ New York area. Throughout my playing career, I have been very fortunate to tour and perform all around the world from places such as the Colosseum in Rome, Lincoln Center in New York, to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

I began teaching in high school with middle school percussion ensembles, drum lines, and several private students. In college when I wasnt studying, performing or rehearsing, I was teaching and being taught. I taught privately in my home studio as well as several lesson studios in and around the North Texas area for 4 years before moving to Chicago where I've continued to teach and perform full time. I encourage a regular practice routine as well as regualr lesson attendance especially when it comes to younger students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More