Drum Lessons in Kirkland, WA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My personal approach to teaching drums and percussion is to offer the student a good foundation in the basics from which to study. Drums are a very easy instrument to get started on and take consistent amounts of practice to really succeed at being good. Nothing is more rewarding for me that to see a student work through a trouble spot and become proficient in the style he or she is trying to develop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I've been teaching music, in some capacity, since I was 17 and captain of my highschool's drumline. In college I taught drumset lessons to students of all ages and in graduate school I taught a music theory course for 5 semesters as well as classical percussion to 6th - 8th graders. Getting to know my students, what they like and don't like, what they read and listen to, is one of my favorite things and I think it really helps engender a life long passion for music when a teacher takes a personal interest in the students lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I am patient and creative in my approach to teaching technique, sight-reading, and musicality. I believe that music performance should be an enjoyable and energizing experience for the performer and listener. I assign practicing material based on the goals, interests, and performance level of each student. While learning individual pieces can be fun, I also focus on giving the student the right tools to become a life-long musician in whatever capacity they choose. Read More

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

I began teaching privately during college and have been doing so continuously since then.  My experience over the years with these many different students has shaped my teaching-to-the-individual method.  No matter the type of learner I strongly encourage regular and devoted practice of one's chosen instrument and feel that an attitude focusing on constant improvement (no matter how small the steps) goes a long way.  I embrace a student's taste in music and tailor my lessons with those styles in mind. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning players, I like to start with the books "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum" and "A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set," both by Mark Wessels. These books do a great job of laying down the fundamentals that all drummers should learn at the outset of their education. Beyond that, what I teach depends largely on any specific path(s) the student may wish to pursue, though of course it is totally fine if the student doesn't immediately know what they would like to study beyond the basics. Read More