Drum Lessons in Mc Gaw Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

I am an innovative artist, teacher, and spiritual worker in Chicago. I play in several groups (Bassel & The Supernaturals, Gramps The Vamp, Abud: A Band, Sosha Wolf), and lead projects of my own (Here & Now, Presence Jazz, False Gods, Cold Seasons). My projects tour nationally, and have released several original albums. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2010 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and have since been working as a professional musician. 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: 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: Drums

The exciting part of teaching is when the students eyes are opened to the possibilities that are in front of them. I'm so lucky that I get to share that with them. Understanding is the key to momentum so it is up to me that each student sees what I see. Then the fun really begins. Teaching has been an exceptional gift for me to share. Every student of mine will achieve and succeed because they see how much fun it is to play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a result, I highly encourage my students to spend time listening to traditional rhythms so that they may understand the feel and the cultural significance of each rhythm. Rhythms in West Africa are played for every single significant event, including baptisms and weddings. Therefore, a large part of my teaching will entail understanding the cultural significance of the rhythms we are learning. Of course, none of this matters if you aren’t having fun. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For young and beginning students, I focus intently on proper technique (holding of sticks, timing, 4-way coordination, etc.) to ensure a proper foundation for success. For older and experienced students, I look to work on a wide range of styles to help the student understand the nuances of performance techniques and promote an understanding of how interconnected various performance styles are. This ensures the student is capable of performance with a wide variety of bands and can adapt to other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More