Drum Lessons in Moraga, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to emphasize fundamentals, especially if a student is just beginning. I believe a strong foundation makes it easier as they progress. For all instruments I always have my students prepare both technical exercises and solo material. I always emphasize historical context to bring the music to life. I also like to teach the music theory side of music, explaining chords, sequences and progressions. I can inform students how to improvise in jazz, as well as play at the level required for symphonic performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I approach lessons by striking a balance between what the student wants to work on and instilling the fundamental skills that are needed to approach whatever they want to learn. Students will learn stick technique, rudiments, reading, and limb independence/coordination. I also focus on Moeller technique and ergonomics around the drum kit, while helping students find a setup that works for them as they find their own voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

My lessons are student driven. I typically assign some technique, repertoire, and theory assignments each week. I often try to include a “student challenge” most weeks in order to gauge how much a student is understanding during the lessons. I modify my styles based on what seems most effective for the student. Sometimes a student really needs 5 pieces to work on over a longer stretch of time. Other times, a student can only reasonably work on one piece for the week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is completely focused on making music fun. I believe every person has innate ability to learn the fundamentals of an instrument, so working through the initial anxiety of learning a new skill is necessary. By letting the student set the pace and offering an array of modalities to tackle students' goals, we will create an environment in which the pure joy of music can shine. Each lesson will include warm-ups, goal-setting, and free expression, with a specific curriculum (either out of a book or customized) guiding us always. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

For beginning learners I will focus on drum stick hand placement, grip, and control. This will fundamentally give the student more comfort in rhythm later on in the lessons. A proper hand grip and finding a comfortable position is key to starting the foundation of being a great drummer. We will also focus on the nomenclature of the drum kit. We don't just want to hit the drum kit, but we want to learn what it is we are hitting. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Technique: grip, stroke methods, posture, symmetry, breathing, set up. Rudiments: with and without metronome, increasing tempo by 5 bpm, great way to warm up for any lesson. Beats/Rhythms/Styles: rock, pop, jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, Arab, African + more. Genre/style identifiers and characteristics. Independence: hands and feet exercises for fluidity and freedom of expression. Orchestration and Arrangement: utilizing the variety of percussion instruments available at the studio to demonstrate rhythms and sounds. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Teaching drums the past ten years has exposed me to over 100 students of all skill levels, beginner to advanced, and all ages. My passion for teaching goes well beyond the limits of music and toward the fulfillment of personal development and success of each student. This approach, directly influenced by my experience working with children with developmental disabilities, demands thoughtfulness, customizing a vision that best fits the needs and skill set of the individual. Read More