Drum Lessons in Los Altos, CA

Instruments: Drums

Technique: grip, stroke methods, posture, symmetry, breathing, set up. Rudiments: with and without metronome, increasing tempo by 5 bpm, great way to warm up for any lesson. Beats/Rhythms/Styles: rock, pop, jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, Arab, African + more. Genre/style identifiers and characteristics. Independence: hands and feet exercises for fluidity and freedom of expression. Orchestration and Arrangement: utilizing the variety of percussion instruments available at the studio to demonstrate rhythms and sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Progress is made at the student's own pace. I try to set goals that are both far-reaching and realistic. Anything is possible if you don't give up too easily! I've used a variety of different lesson books in the past. It's important to note that the Bastien piano books, as well as the Clark, Faber, and Alfred methods all play to different strengths. Since different students respond better to different methods, I try to incorporate some variety which focuses on several concepts: developing ear-training (i.e. picking up melodies and chords from ear) as well as sight-reading, technique, and choosing interesting repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

His work with the popular San Francisco Bay Area blues group, RON THOMPSON THE RESISTORS contributed to the band earning two Bay Area Music Awards (BAMMY). His impressive career also includes a motion picture role as a nightclub band member in the Academy Award nominated Peggy Sue Got Married and being featured on the ABC Television San Francisco local affiliate, KGO for his work with GRAMMY In The Schools as a mentor and instructor. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Despite my young age, I've had extensive experience in Early Childhood Education as well as one-on-one music lessons. I gave my first lesson as a high school graduate to a neighbor who wanted to learn drums and start a band. I was able to provide a technical foundation for him to feel comfortable playing with others. In no time I was working with his band on learning songs to play at a school performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I adapt my methods individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. The content of my lessons includes technique (efficiency of movement, injury prevention), creativity (cultivating ones own ideas, grooves, fills), as well as developing independence (coordination) and soloing. I always apply these and more concepts to practical use and have my students play along with music, which is the best way to learn an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. Read More