Drum Lessons in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

i was taught piano at the age of 5 years old by my father. i finished many piano method books my father instructed me on. at the age of 8 i learned to play the bass. i was in love with it more than the piano and became my main instrument. finished many bass method books as well. by the time i was 14 i was playing guitar, saxophone, drums and singing in choir. as i got older i began performing in concerts. i have performed in over 3,000 concerts since then and continue to. music is a way of life for me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For most of my beginner students, I start with Alfred's Basic Method Book series (The only exception is Ukulele; I use the Hal Leonard's Ukulele Method Book). Beyond that, I work with each student to decide on songs and techniques that they would like to learn. I also make time in each lesson to introduce students to new music that showcases their instrument. As students progress, students will bring in their own examples for us to discuss together. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners and intermediate drummers, I teach Hal Leonard's Drum Set Methods as well as rudiment drum pad training exercises designed to build control and confidence when stroking. Once students have learned the fundamentals and are using all four limbs to create drum patterns, I individualize my lessons for the drummer, making sure they are getting what they want out of the lessons while still staying sharp on notation, pad practice, drumming diction, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since I fully understand the importance of practicing and studying, I always do my best to keep my students engaged and motivated by rewarding their efforts, by pushing them towards higher standards, and by challenging their talent, interests and abilities. I take the time to get to know my students beyond their musical studies and I try to incorporate other areas of their lives in our music lessons in order to create meaningful contexts that apply to the uniqueness of each student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

It is very rewarding to see my students develop a passion for music and excel at their craft. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, i can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More