Drum Lessons in Oakland, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching music in high school, a friend coworker had a son that wanted to learn trumpet and it was a fun way to make money. As I continued into college, I learned that I was able to give lessons to members of the band or choir as an employee to the Adrian College Academic Services Department and I was happy to do so. In addition to Adrian College students, I also gave lessons to local high schoolers (mostly tuba players) and many where featured and scored well in state Solo and Ensemble exhibitions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I take everything in steps with students no matter what the age. My biggest approach I take to lessons is figuring out what the student wants to learn. If someone comes to me wanting to dive deeper into the styles of bands like Rush, we might not focus much time on snare solos (for example) because thats not what the student is interested in learning. I'm not saying that snare solos are not important, but I've come to realize that people will work harder at the things they're PASSIONATE about learning and not just the things they "should" learn. Read More

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

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am a firm believer in showing rather than telling. I always have at least one type of saxophone with me during lessons if not more. For example, if I have a student who is taking baritone saxophone lessons, then I will have a baritone saxophone with me. My goal is not to play along with the student during these lessons; rather it is simply there if I need to demonstrate a key concept to my student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

Typically, for students just starting out we would start on standard snare method, working out rudiments and gaining a sense of feel for drumming. This would eventually build up to working with the entire drum set, where we would explore several styles including Rock, Pop, Jazz, Swing, Latin and everything in between. Basically, I would try and find what the student is most interested in and build from there. Everyone wants something else, so it pays to be versatile. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There really is no limit to which methods work for people. Every person learns their own way, and it is true that a variety of methods work for an individuals learning process. I enjoy employing all ways of experiencing music including playing by ear, reading sheet music, learning music theory and its practical applications, as well as playing with others and truly feeling what the music is wanting to say. Read More