Drum Lessons in Montlake, WA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching privately for the past 8 years. I began teaching private lessons shortly after enrolling at LSU teaching through the university's performing arts academy. After graduating, I began teaching group percussion lessons with the non-profit organization Kids' Orchestra and also teaching general music at Victory Christian Academy. During my time with Kids' Orchestra I was able to encourage a passion for music in young students from the inner-city who would not have been able to afford music lessons. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Thus, I find it great to set the curriculum aside for part of the lesson, either to allow the student some time to show me what else they've been working on, listening to, watching, thinking about, or perhaps to just jam and have fun. I also expect students to make progress on their own between lessons, though I understand fully from my teaching experience that the amount of progress I can expect is different for each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I began the study of trumpet in 1965 under the instruction of Les Beigle, noted Seattle trumpeter. In 1969, I graduated from Snohomish (WA) High School, where he played solo trumpet in the high school band under the direction of Edward Peterson. I received his Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1980. Instructors included Gary Peacock, Jim Knapp, Butch Nordal, Art Lande, and Julian Priester. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Though I have a general flow of lessons for beginner students, diversions from that path are always the most interesting and I like to strike a balance between learning the fundamentals and exploring creative outlets. I like to pepper in lots of listening exercises and a bit of music history to give context to what we're doing. This is especially important for new drummers as the music we're making isn't always instantly recognizable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

I have taught in the classroom, small group settings as well as one on one in both piano and drumset. My favorite thing about music instruction is connecting with the students on a musical and personal level.  I started studying piano at the age of 5, making it my career as a teacher after college and into adult life. Choosing to focus more on drumset and percussion studies at the age of 11, I then studied Percussion Studies in College, playing in many bands and in multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is laid back and technical. I like to go at the pace of the student and really make sure technique is perfect. With good technique you set yourself up for success and develop good habits from the start. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students, even in college, dramatically improve their sound with just a simple posture change. Once technique is handled, the doors to all genres of music are open. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I am patient and creative in my approach to teaching technique, sight-reading, and musicality. I believe that music performance should be an enjoyable and energizing experience for the performer and listener. I assign practicing material based on the goals, interests, and performance level of each student. While learning individual pieces can be fun, I also focus on giving the student the right tools to become a life-long musician in whatever capacity they choose. Read More