Drum Lessons in Glenwood, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My lessons typically include warm up, stretch, book work and creative playing. My various warm ups include the open closed open technique with rudiments, great hands for a life time by the Tommy Igoe, and the rudimental Ritual by the late great Alan Dawson. The books I work from are rooted in jazz and pop but can be applied to anything in-between, with repetition as the key element. Mindfulness in the musical world (being aware of how your mind and body works best with your instrument) is something all of my students will learn to love and embrace as a tool for all areas of life, not just music performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As I begin working with my new students and I develop a better understanding of their abilities and how they respond to my instruction, I try to discover what teaching methods are best suited for each student in order to help them improve and grow to the best of their abilities. During my teaching, I incorporate both music theory and instrument technique with the goal of maintaining some balance between knowledge and the interest and motivation of the student. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Every student is different. Rather than approach each of my students with a pre-existing teaching methods/style, I take the approach of catering to each of one my students specifics needs. I want my students to always feel comfortable and to tell me what they want to learn from me. I also do not believe in pushing things on my students, such as a certain musical style or genre, just because it's something I what them to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Every student comes at a different level, no matter what age they are. For younger students who are just beginning, I feel like it is my job to first and foremost get them excited about playing the drums. I find it to be difficult to teach anything if the student dimply does not want to be there because they do not have a good relationship with the instrument. Once I feel the student is excited and ready, I usually introduce the "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This book is important for building skills in reading music, ear training, and general funky rhythms! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching private drum set lessons during my first year as an Eastern Illinois University student. I taught lessons for just about three years while in college. At one point, I had about 14 students to teach and fit into my busy schedule. I've learned a lot from that experience and now know how to manage time efficiently with a heavy teaching load. Teaching is a very rewarding experience especially when I can see the progress in my student's performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have dedicated the last 15 years of my life to learning both how to play the drums, as well as the history of the drumset. Since a young age, I have been obsessed with gathering as much knowledge on the subject as possible. This includes everything from vintage equipment, different playing techniques, drum and cymbal construction and their effect on sound, and many others. Now, my main focus is on spreading this information, education other musicians, and most importantly, helping to extend my passion for music and the drumset to everyone interested in learning to play the instrument. Read More