Drum Lessons in Fairfax, VA

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In addition to having performed on thousands of stages around the world over the last 15 years, I have been teaching private lessons in percussion for the last 10 years. I have experience teaching individual and group lessons, in some cases with groups of over 50 students. In addition to lessons which address the practical concerns involved in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of drums, percussion, & cello, I teach lessons in structuring performances (aimed mostly at bands looking to take their live production to the next level), prepping for studio time, tailoring performances to their setting (studio, venues small & large, workshops), and techniques for learning large volumes of material quickly. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love adjusting to fit the needs of the student and am thrilled when a student turns this craft into a love or hobby! That is always my goal, to make sure that music is fun. That should be the most important facet. If it remains fun, I can always adjust my curriculum to tailor to the needs of the student. By doing so, I get to also grow as a teacher and human being! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Chicago expat; United States Navy Band drummer; I have developed a reputation for my professionalism and versatility as a musician. Moving to Chicago was the catalyst for my musical career. The diverse and robust Chicago music scene helped mold me into a first-call sideman over the course of a 9-year stint. I enjoyed playing the role of chameleon in many genres: jazz, funk, contemporary pop, New Orleans brass band, zydeco, singer-songwriter, and musical theater among others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After practice with those skills, I will give more challenging pieces and scale studies to start working on their proficiency on the instrument. The student will always get a choice in the amount of work and practice they would like to put in, but the more practice the better. Not only will my students get a choice in how much work they would like to put in, but also in what work they will be doing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students I have a study guide that I go off of that we will talk about at our first meeting. To give a glimpse, I start off by teaching about the rudiments, and I can't stress this enough. Using a metronome is best in all playing. If you want to play drums in a band, or what have you, you have to learn to play with a click. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love method books and written resources. Most of the books I use are specific to the goals of the individual student. So below is a list of a few books that I like: Syncopation by Ted Reed Stick Control by George Stone Patterns series by Gary Chaffee The New Breed by Gary Chester Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice The Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley The Commandments of RB Drumming by Zoro Future Sounds by Dave Garibaldi Four Way Coordination by Marvin Dahlgreen and Elliot Fine Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin Studio and Big Band Drumming by Steve Houghton Universal Rhythms by Dave DiCenso Read More