Drum Lessons in Goodlettsville, TN

Instruments: Drums

I approach teaching by meeting my students where they are and addressing their goals. However, there are fundamental techniques that apply to any application and musical setting that we will cover extensively so that you are prepared to play anything. We will also work on reading and groove. I have played virtually all styles of music common in the USA and am prepared to teach my students how to play them well. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

My instructional method does not lean toward one method book for instruction. There is however a useful combination of selected literature, excerpts, solos, exercises and play alongs in addition to anything the student wants or has to work on. I teach technique and fundamentals that are applicable to all styles, not just one particular style. I'm teaching you to play music. Not a collection of beats and fills. Standards are met and individual goals are not ignored. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

My teaching style has a lot to do on the student's needs and wants for they own playing. Giving a student a concept and watching it unfold in front of you is what gives me the fuel to keep fueling the student. Independency during lessons helps the student learn what works for them instead of me pushing it at them. During their own practice, I won't be there to address every mistake. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

“Russ is one of the absolute best students I have ever had in my long teaching career at Berklee College of Music. Russ is very talented, smart, highly disciplined and open minded as a musician. Having Russ as a teacher will be an experience where the student will receive an effective, focused, and open minded approach to the students individual musical needs and interests.” -Dave Weigert, Drum Instructor, Berklee College of Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

I always approach teaching on an individual basis. I find out what the student loves about music, and what made him or her want to learn in the first place. We set realistic goals for pace and have fun. I often mix traditional work with fun work. For example, alongside conventional ways to learn melody and harmony, I'll tie those lessons into specific songs or pieces of music that the student likes, to show the relevance of the material and the importance it has, at the same time keeping the student interested. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Hi!   I'm a professional drummer who loves to teach the tools of the trade to anyone interested and willing to learn.  My passion for music began at a very young age, and I started playing drums when I was 14.  I attended the one of the top rated music schools in the country, Berklee College of Music, and graduated with a degree in Drum Set Performance.  I've had the opportunity to travel overseas and share my work with huge audiences, in many different genres of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

With beginners, I focus on the fundamentals like working out of George L. Stone's 'Stick Control' and introducing rudiments while focusing on overall technique. I also work out of a book called 'A Funky Primer', which is a drum set book that has hundreds of different beat combinations. Depending on how the student progresses and what their overall goals are, I eventually begin to introduce difference genres and styles and more complex and challenging approaches to the drum set. Read More