Drum Lessons in Gaither, MD

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

That includes "found sounds", the many different objects that resonate, ring, buzz, pop, and provide some other when struck that allows for spontaneous music making. Said in another way, my teaching style is ALL ABOUT IMPROV. Improv in the teaching itself and conveying the notions of improv to the student, so even when you're reading the music that they're playing, they improving to whatever degree the situation allows. Improv means to make it your own. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Steve is originally from the Binghamton, NY area and began studying drums at the age of 12 with local jazz musician Tony Monforte. He participated in the All State Orchestra and was placed on the Pro-Mark Honor Roll for young, up-and-coming drummers. Steve received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he studied with Gordon Stout, Steve Brown, and Robert Bridge. He was selected to participate in the Henry Mancini Institute where he worked with some of the leading jazz, film, and classical musicians and composers from around the world including Terence Blanchard, Bud Shank, Christian McBride, and Jerry Goldsmith. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I want my students to discover their own voice on the drums, to find their own rhythms and express themselves authentically. Technical proficiency is important, of course, but it's only one part of the equation. I believe in nurturing a love of music that goes hand-in-hand with technical skills. By encouraging exploration and experimentation, I help my students tap into their creativity and discover the therapeutic power of drumming. It's about finding joy in the process, building confidence, and using the drums as a means of self-discovery. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am motivated as an instructor to help my students become the best they can be and have fun learning. I love drumming. It has been a big part of my life since the age of 7. Drumming has provided so many opportunities in my life, from opening for national acts, to traveling the country, learning about the music industry, working in the business as a session drummer, to working as an artist representative for a subsidiary of Sony. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Weekly lessons with me are structured around achieving attainable short-term goals. Daily practice sessions are encouraged, but thoughtful, intermittent practice sessions far outweigh the necessity of sitting behind the kit every day. I strive to make the atmosphere of the lesson relaxed and fun; I'm patient and accommodating for different styles of learners. Although I'm fond of several famous publications such as Stick Control and The Art of Bop, I don't rely on text as the only way to deliver a musical message. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

For me, teaching is much more than showing each student everything I know as a musician.  My ultimate responsibility as an instructor is to understand the students' goals and recognize how they learn best.  While recognizing their musical and technical accomplishments, I encourage the students to maintain patience and discipline as they delve farther into the study of their instrument.  The greatest reward for me as a teacher is to inspire my students to want to work hard to develop their own sound, style, and passion for music! Read More

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. Read More