Drum Lessons in Newport Beach, CA

Instruments: Drums

Learning the drums should be a fun and rewarding experience! I believe that learning to play different styles, playing along with a metronome/song and being able to read music are essential for all drummers. I ask students what style of music/bands they like and incorporate this into lessons. I break the lessons down into 3 sections: The first is where we warm up and play rudiments and technique exercises. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience goes back to my early/mid-teens, when I used to secretly be asked to sub for my drum teacher at the music school I was attending. I had his students, all older than me! We had such a great time and I am very lucky to have had such great teachers myself. All along my professional career, I have always had private students from time to time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

I tailor my instruction to the students wants, needs and abilities. It's a creative environment every week and I try to make it fun and rewarding. We set goals for each week and I review what they want to learn on a regular basis. It has to be fun! When they are having fun they learn more, it's easier and they want to continue. Learning the basic elements of their chosen instrument is a place to begin. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Once I get an idea for my student's level based on the trial lesson, I build a curriculum specifically for their needs. I have a personal library of music and exercises that I cater to needs of each individual. I do my best to always keep in mind the specific goals of my student whether they are studying to develop skills for school bands/orchestra, marching band, recitals, real world gigs and auditions, or just for fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Recorder

Matt has traveled extensively, both performing and instructing on drums. At various times he has also been a percussionist, a dancer, a singer (including throat singing, beatboxing voiceover), a composer and an actor (TVA, Radio-Canada TV, TQS TV, Vrak TV, Radio- Quebec TV). Matts experience is not just confined to performing; he is equally at home with the creative process. Matts talent, versatility, and unique feel have made him a standout performer in Montreal and Los Angeles music communities, where he is known for his remarkable creativity and his magnetic on-stage presence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I tailor my lessons to fit each individual student's needs and goals, and am comfortable teaching both traditional classical music as well as various other modern genres. I typically use the Alfred books for children who are just starting out, gradually introducing solo repertoire as they progress. For adults, I use materials relating to whatever stylistic or technical goals they may have. Read More