Drum Lessons in Gaithersburg, MD

Instruments: Drums

I'm in love with music and the ability to play and teach the instrument known as the drum set to any willing person! At the age of 29, I'm blessed to say I have been playing for over 25 years. 10 of those years has been professionally. I've had the luxury of playing alongside some of the best musicians in the world, many who are internationally renown. I also have my own band, which has garnered me the opportunity as a leader to play on platforms such as the Richmond Jazz Festival. Read More

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 Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I try to marry the goals of each of my students with the necessary skills of a complete, professional musician - time, style, feel, sensitivity, adaptability, and control. I tend to start with any grip/technique issues and then expand on the student's vocabulary, building on what already feels comfortable to them. Each lesson is completely customized to the individual; there is no "one-size-fits-all" delivery for each lesson plan - and that's what makes teaching such a fun challenge for me. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For young beginning students, I use the Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. For middle school aged through adult students, I use either Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed or Standard Snare Drum Method by Benjamin Podemski. For young drumset students, I use Alfred's Drumset Method by Dave Black. For middle school aged through adult students I use Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice for rock styles and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin for the jazz idiom. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love the reward I get from seeing my students progress ! Whether it's getting through a tough snare drum solo , mastering a marching band audition piece or helping them with a cover tune on their drumset ( or even suggesting parts and ideas for an original song ) I believe this promotes confidence in a student's music ability. I've had the good fortune of seeing my students recieve scholarships to college music programs, become 1st chair snare drummers in high school marching bands and even go to the local club to watch their band perform. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred Piano Basics. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to work from Czerny and introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am deeply inspired by students who are eager and motivated to learn drumming. I meet each student where they are, looking and listening for the unique learning style of each student. After i access what approaches work best based on their ability level, I design a systematic practice routine based on Technique, Vocabulary, Independence, Coordination, and Musicality. If its required I can assist in writing charts for songs. Im focused on targeting the areas where improvement is needed and to encourage and challenge students to develop discipline, good habits, while striving to improve and overcome the weakness aspects of their drumming. Read More