Drum Lessons in Mount Vernon, VA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

For me, teaching is much more than showing each student everything I know as a musician.  My ultimate responsibility as an instructor is to understand the students' goals and recognize how they learn best.  While recognizing their musical and technical accomplishments, I encourage the students to maintain patience and discipline as they delve farther into the study of their instrument.  The greatest reward for me as a teacher is to inspire my students to want to work hard to develop their own sound, style, and passion for music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

On the first lesson, I like to help students create realistic, long-term goals for themselves. Then the student and I develop a plan to help them achieve them. Learning tools include method books, recordings of the lesson, and playing along with me. I also make solo pieces available, and encourage the student to participate in local recitals. My lessons generally follow the county public school's music curriculum and include rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sightreading, theory and song form. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Having a student see his or her progress over a course of weeks makes the experience of teaching the most rewarding thing ever. Explaining to someone the laws that makes great drummers great are the driving force behind my method of teaching people drumming. I can successfully tailor a strategy plan for any style or level of drummer, passionatly teach them and help them progress through the endless journey that is drumming. 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

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

During his time in school, Mike performed in a number of different groups. He has played in situations as varied as Orchestra, Big-band, African Drum Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Combo Jazz Groups, Gamelan Orchestra, Afro-Cuban Ensembles, and Mallet Ensembles. He also performed in freelance rock, jazz, jam, and improvisational groups. Mike began playing at age 7 on both piano and drums and started performing at age 14. Later he studied voice in college and picked up the banjo as another instrument to have in his repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I came up through the Fairfax County band program. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to "give back" to this as a public school teacher. My wish now is to help as many current band students as I can. I relocated from Virginia and am looking to establish a presence in MontgomeryCounty. Read More

Instruments: Drums

First of all, I believe that drumming is the most enjoyable passion and talent of my life. I strive to have my students feel the same way. Most projects in life are based around a strong and firm foundation and drumming is no different. The foundation of drumming is based around time, rudiments and grooves. I strive to teach all of my students to be very well rounded on these three foundation pieces with as many styles of music as possible. Read More