Drum Lessons in Highland Park, IL

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

In my lessons, I like to start by helping the student really fall in love with drumming. You should only take lessons if you love and enjoy what you are doing. Then, I like to lay down a good foundation of rudiments and technique. I believe that by having a good understanding of rudiments and technique, it will greatly help eliminate many future setbacks when learning new/different styles. Without setbacks, the future always looks brighter. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I adjust my teaching based on the particular student. For adults I take the lessons in whatever direction they like. Subjects covered are more often than not dictated by the student's interest. For children I do take their interests into account but also guide them towards getting better at their instrument. Reading music is an important thing for all my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Andrew has studied percussion for 15 years, and has been involved with the Marching Percussion Activity for over 10 years as a performer, clinician, composer, arranger, and educator. He has marched with the Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from Cedar Rapids, Iowa (inactive) as the Center Snare and Drum Line Section Leader. He also was a member of the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a member of the Tenor Line. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing the drums for 16 years and the guitar for 18 years. I started by learning how to play rock beats and songs independetly and eventually started taking lessons from drummer, Martin Dosh of Andrew Bird's live band. Martin, a jazz and hip-hop drummer from Minneapolis taught me how isolation techniques and jazz/swing exercises derived from Hal Leonard's methods book. Since College, I have been playing in local and touring bands as well as teaching out of my studio space in Ukrainian Village, Chicago. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different and I take that to heart constructing a lesson plan for each student that is suited for their personal tastes and speed. I have taught people of various ages starting at 5 years old all the way up to 60. It just goes to show you are never really done learning, especially when it comes to music. I have developed my ear to a point in which most any music you play me, especially if it's guitar based, I can learn to play in a matter of seconds or a few short minutes if it's something really tricky. Read More