Drum Lessons in Modena, PA

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

Playing percussion for services at Tulsas Unitarian Church of the Restoration, I learned to study and play rhythms as both a form of language and (rather loud) meditation. From there, I went to college in Oberlin OH, majoring in Psychology while moonlighting in bands with players in Obserlins world-class conservatory, serving an audience of peers from around the world. In and outside of Oberlins music tech program, I began to study and use drum machines, MIDI and looping. Read More

Instruments: Drums

One of the cool things about teaching is that every student is different and learns differently! I am usually able to assess each students level and pace within the first couple lessons. At the end of each lesson I will give them a realistic goal to achieve for the next lesson. Any improvement is improvement and I try and always recognize that. I try to inspire by example as well, showing the student where their practicing and hard work can take them if they keep working at it diligently. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always enjoyed the art of teaching. I find it personally rewarding because when you effectively teach something to someone, you simultaneously learn something yourself. Speaking from experience with my current students, there are pleasant challenges in teaching, like discovering what works and what doesn't with a particular student. Trial and error, positive reinforcement, witnessing progress. Teaching even allows me to express myself creatively because I get to find the best way to explain or communicate a concept. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

With all my students, I will always take interest in what they want to learn. I want to make their experience as fun as mine was when I first began. So knowing my students' musical inclinations is important to my methods, because it gives me a direction in which to apply my instruction. My younger students will start with the basic rhythm rudiments and reading notated percussion music. I am also willing to assist them in any repertoire that students are given in their school's music program. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

I have a library of material that I use to teach instrument fundamentals, solo repertoire, rudimental vocabulary and most important music theory and language. Goals vary from student to student, I am here to help exceed those goals as well as having everyone walk away feeling accomplished and comfortable with their weekly efforts. The big picture is to make sure that the students I teach perform their music well but over time and in good practice become confident and comfort with the language of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

For my beginner students, I usually start with how to properly hold the drumsticks. If a student doesn't have proper technique while playing the drums, they won't progress nearly as fast. I then like to go into learning rudiments and basic drum grooves. Once they start to get comfortable on a drum set, I'll throw in some basic sight reading. The books I mainly use are "Stick Control" by George Lawrence Stone, "The New Breed" by Gary Chester and "Syncopation" by Ted Reed. Read More