Drum Lessons in Mitchellville, MD

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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred Piano Basics. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to work from Czerny and introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I typically begin my lessons with a 30 to 45-minute session to introduce music theory and the chosen instrument. For beginner students, I use a combination of the James Bastien and Alfred's Basic methods to teach foundational music theory. Based on the student’s instrument of choice, I supplement these lessons with additional materials tailored to practice and performance. For adult students, I prioritize their interests, adapting my lessons to make the learning experience engaging, enjoyable, and relevant to their musical goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I find that as useful as many of the methods that I have found most useful for my own performance are, almost every one of my students in drums, percussion and cello requires a different blend of study materials. As a general rule, I rely on providing a balance of classic (some teachers go as far as to say 'canonical') books, and a wide variety of unique listening and independence exercises I've developed over the years. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience started in Baltimore, mostly backstage at local band jobs when other drummers would ask how I did certain groves and fills with speed and intensity while giving the band breathing room. I started to notice that the technique the other drummers were referring to was generally based on what I learned from the drummers who influenced me, and I was able to break it down well for those interested in learning more about it. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

Fun, music is a great therapy and great aid in developing a lifetime of great experiences. I try to keep things simple, yet effective. Each student requires an individual approach. A lesson book will be maintained in order to keep track of progress and review of previous assignments. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Steve has spent much of his professional career as a freelance musician in New Orleans, LA, Ithaca, NY, and Washington, DC. During this time Steve worked with many of the great local jazz and RB masters including George Porter, Walter Wolfman Washington, Mem Shannon, Anders Osborne, Ryan Burage, and The Louisiana Philharmonic. He has written and arranged for several of his own groups as well including: Otra, El Rumbon, The Mutron Warriors, Reichlen-Battles-Dobry, and Solstice. 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