Drum Lessons in Federal Way, WA

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

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I have been teaching percussion lessons since 1994. Along with my full teaching studio, I also perform regularly and coach the Tacoma Youth Symphonies and Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestras. I have also taught within the Auburn (WA) and Tucson (AZ) public schools as a percussion and music specialist, at The University of Rio Grande (OH) as an affiliate faculty member, at Ohio University and The University of Arizona as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, at Interlochen Arts Camp (MI) as the All-State percussion instructor, and at New England Music Camp (ME) as a faculty member. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For just about any instrument, a key approach of mine is to teach students how to play the songs they love - and then the musical building blocks that make up said songs. Then, I teach the rudiments, patterns, and music theory behind those building blocks, and teach the students to be able to figure this all out on their own in the future through ear-training. I tend to like the Essential Elements series for band instruments, the Alfred books for piano and guitar, the Real Book for a wide variety of jazz repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning players, I like to start with the books "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum" and "A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set," both by Mark Wessels. These books do a great job of laying down the fundamentals that all drummers should learn at the outset of their education. Beyond that, what I teach depends largely on any specific path(s) the student may wish to pursue, though of course it is totally fine if the student doesn't immediately know what they would like to study beyond the basics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I feel all students have the ability to actualize their creativity through the of study of a musical instrument. My students are given small musical challenges each lesson which will enhance their sense of accomplishment. Lessons are assigned to the student's current level. The lesson material will be internalized after repeated repetitions. To understand and perform a simple lessons leads to a profound knowledge of an aspect of music. I encourage my students to fully experience the joy of a lifetime of making music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I began my musical journey at the age of eleven when I received my first set of drums. Throughout middle school and high school, I actively participated in bands. During my senior year of high school, I won a full scholarship to Louisiana State University to study percussion performance. After graduating with a Bachelors in Music, I taught and performed music throughout the south and southwest, from New Orleans to Austin. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Each and every student will respond differently to instruction, and I am proud to say that I am extremely adaptable. I want to make sure that I am communicating with each individual in a way that they will understand and be successful with, because the student is the most important variable. I use a wide variety of pop culture, classical influence, and I make sure to provide my students with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow in many ways, including encouraging them to participate in live performaces, competitions, and composition. Read More