Drum Lessons in Manchester, MD

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

I am an active performer and percussion instructor who enjoys introducing new students to the world of music as well as honing the skills of more advanced players.  I have earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I have had the opportunity to perform with various groups across the United States and Europe.  My private teaching studio is located in my home in Maryland, where I have all the instruments we will need to get you where you want to be musically!  Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

For my beginner students, I usually start with how to properly hold the drumsticks. If a student doesn't have proper technique while playing the drums, they won't progress nearly as fast. I then like to go into learning rudiments and basic drum grooves. Once they start to get comfortable on a drum set, I'll throw in some basic sight reading. The books I mainly use are "Stick Control" by George Lawrence Stone, "The New Breed" by Gary Chester and "Syncopation" by Ted Reed. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been teaching since 1977, and I am as passionate about teaching as I was on my first day! I have taught students of all ages and levels, and learned to customize lessons to fit their stated musical goals. A number of my former students now work in the music field, from music instructors at Towson State University to local freelance musicians. I currently hold the rank if Sergeant in the Maryland Defense Force Band, serving as a percussionist/drummer. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Driven by a desire to share my love of music with others, I embarked on a professional music career in my early twenties. I formed a cover band to gain experience and earn extra income, while simultaneously pursuing my passion for blues and rock music. My dedication and talent led me to join a professional blues/rock band, where I had the privilege of touring the East Coast and opening for renowned blues artists. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching approach focuses on fundamentals of technique, grooves, taste, and good timekeeping. I am interested in a student becoming a good listener and being able to play a variety of musical styles. I integrate rudiments, reading, drum fills, solo ideas, improvisation, and developing a unique style. I use a variety of methods, including skills I heard as a pro drummer on stage in the studio. I make use of books and other lessons depending on the ability level of the student , but I rely on classics like "Stick Control," "Syncopation" and "Accents and Rebounds". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Also, I will use books by Czerny and early Bach tutorials. My teacher at Peabody, Fernando Laires was a student of Isidor Philipp (who himself was of the school of Chopin and Lizst) and as a result I teach the independence, relaxed form, and energy conservation of their schools of technique. For percussion I focus on rudiments, and stick control. When teaching drum set, I teach keeping time, fills, and cross-sticking. Read More