Drum Lessons in Hamilton, VA

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

Having a student see his or her progress over a course of weeks makes the experience of teaching the most rewarding thing ever. Explaining to someone the laws that makes great drummers great are the driving force behind my method of teaching people drumming. I can successfully tailor a strategy plan for any style or level of drummer, passionatly teach them and help them progress through the endless journey that is drumming. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

With a lifelong passion for rhythm and a dedication to musical excellence, I have been captivating audiences and perfecting my drumming skills since the tender age of five. My musical journey began with the snare drum, and I quickly developed a proficiency that allowed me to perform in front of audiences as early as fifth grade. Throughout middle and high school, I honed my abilities on a variety of percussion instruments, including the snare, bass, and quads, as a valued member of my school's band programs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I usually start with rudimental percussion grips and playing. I usually go off of Stick Control. Once the student has progressed further, I will judge how far along they are and customize they're learning abilities with their exercises and repertoire to learn. For adults, I try to find what genres they are interested and see how far along they are technique and music wise. I like to cater all of my teaching styles to each individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I have taught for many years, I feel encouraged and motivated when I can pass along my love for music. Nothing is more inspiring to me than to see someone's face light up when they pick up their instrument and learn. I set tailored goals for my students to reach every week, so that they have specific targets to reach. Positive reinforcement is the key to keeping a motivated student, and I encourage them in anyway possible making myself available to them throughout the week even after the lesson is over.  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