Drum Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very laidback, low-pressure approach - if you didn't practice, it's not the end of the world! I think back to my own days of taking lessons and remember how much more I improved in this type of environment, and how much more I loved the process. The difference between these approaches can be night and day, both in results and morale out of the student (which, again, I know from experience as a teacher, but also from my experience as a student). 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: 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 Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Though my formal music education ended after high school, I've been a life-long learner and strive to excite students with musical experiences they can't get in a traditional classroom. I've played in bands since I was in middle school and love to get students excited about performing either with a band or as a soloist. I teach out of a wonderful, private space near 23rd and E Union in the Central District of Seattle. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching in 2008, shortly after beginning my studies at the University of Washington. My private students have ranged from total beginners to advanced, each one presenting a unique set of interests and abilities to work with. In addition to teaching my own students, I have much experience as a substitute percussion teacher at Northshore Junior High School (Kingsgate, WA) and Spotlight Studios (Woodinville, WA). I have also presented many clinics and workshops at local schools including Garfield High School, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Ballard High School, Eckstein Middle School, and Holy Names Academy, as well as for Seattle JazzED. Read More

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

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More