Drum Lessons in Milan, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching as a teenager when I was in Ann Arbor's psychedelic rock band SPROTON LAYER. I have taught friends and family off and on for many years. During the economic crash in 2009, I took a course on Teaching to understand different age groups and varied approaches in learning. Since then, I have taught steadily and found it very rewarding. One of the hardest things to get across to the Student is that the single most important thing to do is Play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I started teaching officially in 2007 at 20 years old, very green, and have since come into my own as an instructor. I believe my ability to read students and assess their style of learning has afforded me the great honor of watching so many students thrive and enjoy music. I now have several students who have been with me for years (one since my first year) and it's truly amazing watching them grow. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I started taking Drum lessons of my own at Southern Thumb Music in Richmond, MI around the age of 10. My teacher, Keith Ottenbacher, was a great guy who taught me everything I know in every style. It was also there that I participated in many Percussion ensembles that earned many awards throughout the state. Not only ensembles, but independent Snare performance, earning high rankings and several 1st place awards. I started playing in bands around the age of 14, and traveling to do shows around Michigan. Read More

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

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am currently a Senior Music Education Major at Eastern Michigan University. I am a saxophonist in the EMU Wind Symphony, EMU Big Band, EMU Saxophone Ensemble, EMU Jazz Saxophone Sextet, Stone Tower Saxophone Quartet, Krangerson Duo, REMIX, and Funkwagon. I have also marched Quads for Impact Percussion, and the EMU Drumline. I also play drumset in several jazz combos. Music is such a huge part of my life and it has taught me so many life lessons and values that I hold dear every day of my life. Read More