Drum Lessons in Gilroy, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have worked as a professional musician for over 25 years. I have performed with members of the Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, David Grisman Quintet, Galactic and many others. I have performed on guitar, bass, drums, mandolin and keyboards. I have performed across the country at festivals, theaters and smaller venues like cafes and restaurants. I also have 20+ years experience in the music "business," as radio deejay, music journalist for the New York Times, manager of a guitar store, sales rep for a drum manufacturer, and guitar instructor UCSC. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching when I substituted for one of my previous drum instructors while he was gone on a short vacation, and I instantly loved the whole process. Shortly after, I began teaching a couple of weekly beginning African drumming classes, as well as teaching through the Boys Girls Club. My experience with both of these positions was invaluable, and helped me realize that I love helping students find that moment where everything clicks! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to "cross-train" my students. By this, I mean that it is important to work all of our musical muscles in order to become well-rounded musicians. Lessons could include anything from ear training, solfege, sight reading, song learning, and much more. Through this exploration, I can find what excites the student and work that into the lesson, and the student can find what inspires them while exploring it more and working on it with me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Accordion Recorder Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I always start by meeting the students where they are. There are a few lessons that are somewhat evaluatory for me to understand their capabilities, their goals and their learning styles. From there I work with basics of the importance of practice and things like posture in piano, hand strength in guitar, and vocal warm up in singing. I believe it is important to find what the students are fascinated with musically and build confidence and skill from that point. Read More