Drum Lessons in Marin City, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I absolutely love sharing music, whether it is with my students, or with fellow musicians playing together. It brings people of all different backgrounds together - and that's the great thing about it! I have been playing drums for over 20 years, of which more than ten I also have been teaching. I have played in original and cover bands both in Europe and in the U.S., where I've gained extensive experience playing live and in the studio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach many odd time signatures, four way independence. I teach out of the most educated drum books that all of the great drummers have studied. I also encourage my students all of the great drummers on recordings and videos. Here are the books that I use: Here are some important books: a) Louis Bellson's Snare drum book; b) Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole Sensational Drum Book; c) Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer; d) Ultimate encyclopedia for the drum set; e) George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am super passionate about drumming and it is important that lessons are fun and engaging. I like to mix up the content of the class and am flexible as to the student's objectives and needs. I like to talk in terms of concepts and approach to drumming, both mentally and physically, in order to visualize and simplify ideas. I am quite detail oriented when it comes to foundational technique with a strong belief that understanding rhythmic relations and styles is key to significantly faster improvement. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

In grade school, my commitment and knowledge in music continued to grow through my immersion in honors ensembles, wind ensembles, marching bands, jazz bands, local garage bands, and a percussion ensemble with two national titles (Woodbridge Percussion Ensemble). In the years following, I became an active musician in the San Diego/Southern California area performing in various styles and settings: jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, Funk/Soul/RB, Christian/praise music, Latin American (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean), electronic/EDM, Broadway, marching, orchestral, and avant-garde. 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

I emphasize technique for beginning students. I call attention to hand and finger control, and offer a number of exercises develop the muscles needed to play fluidly. I teach a few levels of the rudiments, and show students the opening pages of the famous George Stone book, Stick Control for the Modern Drummer. From there, I work with students on drum rolls, groves and fills. My approach to drumming is to be as innovative as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More