Drum Lessons in Monroe, MI

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My style is very hands on. We both sit together, either with just a snare, or a whole kit, and work through rudiments and get comfortable with everything drumming! I want my students to be excited that they are working towards being professional, competent and versatile - but, trust me, the whole experience is FUN! To me, nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student really getting it and becoming their own musician! Read More

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

For beginner Piano / Keyboard Students, I use the Bastien Books. They are simple to understand and get the Student through the first few stages of Right Hand Left Hand coordination and positions. I have several different books for Saxophone Students that feature technique, solo repertoire and duets. Depending on whether the student is a child, a teenager or an adult, I choose either a Daisy Guitar Book, Hal Leonard books, or the Berkeley School of Music for Guitarists. Read More

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have three main books I use; these are my drum 'bibles'. Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin. I like to teach fundamentals first, providing a strong basis with which to expand your repetoire. Then I like to emphasize song work. The best part of drumming in my opinion is playing with other instruments, and in addition to playing with recorded music, I encourage my students to find other musicians to practice and even perform with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. 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 a firm believer in showing rather than telling. I always have at least one type of saxophone with me during lessons if not more. For example, if I have a student who is taking baritone saxophone lessons, then I will have a baritone saxophone with me. My goal is not to play along with the student during these lessons; rather it is simply there if I need to demonstrate a key concept to my student. Read More