Drum Lessons in Emerald Hills, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I absolutely love sharing music, whether it is with my students, or with fellow musicians playing together. It brings people of all different backgrounds together - and that's the great thing about it! I have been playing drums for over 20 years, of which more than ten I also have been teaching. I have played in original and cover bands both in Europe and in the U.S., where I've gained extensive experience playing live and in the studio. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

My teaching philosophy is student centered. I realize that every student is different in their physical or mental capabilities; that each student has different expectations with their relationship to music and with themselves; and that each student has their own strengths, insecurities, and pace of learning. Focusing on what makes each student different and unique is what guides how I teach each student. For example, I've had a handful of students with autism who had limited verbal capabilities. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize technique for beginning students. I call attention to hand and finger control, and offer a number of exercises develop the muscles needed to play fluidly. I teach a few levels of the rudiments, and show students the opening pages of the famous George Stone book, Stick Control for the Modern Drummer. From there, I work with students on drum rolls, groves and fills. My approach to drumming is to be as innovative as possible. Read More

Instruments: Drums

GRAMMY In The Schools Mentor, Music Director, Music Instructor Instruct and mentor high school students in music performance, music industry career guidance, direct musical performances at San Francisco State University Rusty Key Record Company Founder Responsible for music recording, production of audio projects from song writing and arranging, recording, manufacturing through promotional phases Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is completely focused on making music fun. I believe every person has innate ability to learn the fundamentals of an instrument, so working through the initial anxiety of learning a new skill is necessary. By letting the student set the pace and offering an array of modalities to tackle students' goals, we will create an environment in which the pure joy of music can shine. Each lesson will include warm-ups, goal-setting, and free expression, with a specific curriculum (either out of a book or customized) guiding us always. Read More