Drum Lessons in Harper Woods, MI

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I have had an eclectic teaching career so far. I have held teaching positions at Linden High School, Linden Middle School, Carman Ainsworth High School, Ida High School, Summit Academy High School, Clio High School, Flushing High School, South Lyon High School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Middle School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy High School, and Impact Percussion. In addition to these school positions, I am also taught privates lessons for several years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I try to cater my lessons to the interest of my students. If a pupil’s passion for music can be harnessed, then developing musical skills can be a simple process. I have a wide variety of material I teach from, including Ted Reed’s syncopation, George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control for the Snare Drummer and basic piano literature. I also use music selected by the student to create custom lessons. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize, above all, practice. If a student doesn't practice daily, then they aren't going to improve at their full potentail rate. I would never "push" a student, but I do encourage students to strive for their best. I know when I need to adapt the situation to fit a student's specific needs. If a student isn't getting something, I know exactly how to back up, break it down, and explain it in a way that they will understand. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I started taking Drum lessons of my own at Southern Thumb Music in Richmond, MI around the age of 10. My teacher, Keith Ottenbacher, was a great guy who taught me everything I know in every style. It was also there that I participated in many Percussion ensembles that earned many awards throughout the state. Not only ensembles, but independent Snare performance, earning high rankings and several 1st place awards. I started playing in bands around the age of 14, and traveling to do shows around Michigan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is laid back with the full intention of moving forward in both technique and enjoyment. Each Lesson is geared toward the Goals we agree on as Student and Teacher. Depending on age and experience, I set goals at 3 months or 6 months. It is crucial to allow the student to learn at his or her own rate. Again, I strive to find the Creativity in the Student and to see how that can be developed as quickly as possible, especially if they are interested in songwriting, singing, composition, or simply doing their "own thing". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More