Drum Lessons in Oak Ridge, NC

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As stated previously, one of my greatest joys is seeing a student grow and thrive with a musical experience. I understand that not every one of my students will want to pursue music in their life, but music can bolster character, discipline, and creativity-- no matter their age. My methods include basic goal setting, encouraging and providing performance opportunity (no matter how small), and I also let the student's interests lead the way. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As a foundation, I start my beginner-level students with basic the basic understanding of rhythm patterns, dynamic control, and basic limb independence. I use Benny Greb's "The Language of Drumming" as it has proven to be a fun and effective learning tool for well over a decade. From there it's really dependent on the student and their learning style/pace. I try to never create a particular "method" that doesn't allow for the student's uniqueness to be taken into consideration. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Since graduating with a degree in music from UNC-G, I have been active as a professional musician, including performances with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Piedmont Triad Wind Symphony, the North Carolina Brass Band, the Shirelles, the Sammy Kaye Big Band, Susan Ray, Frank Fontaine, Jim Cole, and numerous rock and jazz groups, churches, and musical theater organizations. I am currently a staff drummer/percussionist at Jamestown United Methodist Church, as well as an active freelance musician in the Triad area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

My teaching experience has been for as long as I've been playing. Before studying any particular type of pedagogical approach, I've always had the gift and desire to share what I know with others. Formalized study has simply given me specific nomenclature for things. Having said that, my pedagogical approach is simple...discern how the student learns and give them the information clearly in that fashion. There are some people who are very literal and need specific details, whereas there are some who work well with general instruction and prefer to feel things out viscerally. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

From there, I began teaching as the percussion instructor at the same school during the beginning of my freshman year of college, lasting for the next 7 years after that. I'd also like to add that one of my former students from the same school is now the percussion instructor there. During my 7-year tenure there, I also taught as percussion instructor at many other high schools, middle schools and even a music conservatory, which was definitely the highlight of my teaching career so far. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching music full-time for eighteen years. Primarily, I founded and led the Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble (ECPE), a truly unique and acclaimed group. Our focus was on active music-making, performance, and recording. The group made three professional recordings, performed widely, and challenged audience expectations everywhere they did. Privately, I have taught drumming to many individuals, from young students just starting out, to professional musicians looking to add drums to their instrumental repertoire, to people needing help overcoming sensory issues. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I initiate from the very beginning utilizing Orff, Kodaly and Suzuki methods, as well as some movement activities for my very young students (Pre-K and Kindergarten).Then, I implement some form of musical notation based around sight singing, as a way of laying a good foundation to build upon. As I work through the grades I build upon what they are to know according to the Standards set forth by the State Dept. of Education. Read More