Drum Lessons in Odenton, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

While attending The Berklee College of Music, Mark studied with, Jazz Great Gary Burton. Gary took Mark under his wing, and became an important figure in Mark's life. Through this relationship Mark developed relationships with such names, as McCoy Tyner, Michael Brecker, Peter Eirskin, John Schofield, Carla Bley, Makoto Ozone, Steve Swallow.and others. Mark Returned to the Washington D.C. area after an injury to his hands. He spent many years rebuilding his chops, and working as a studio engineer, and producer. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I've been playing music my entire life (my mom claims she had me playing 9 months before I was even born!) and I started playing professionally when I was 14. To say I love drums and percussion would be a profound understatement. I've played professionally at many times throughout my life, but I really don't differentiate my professional experiences from all of the musical experiences I've had. Some gigs are wonderful and some not so much. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Weekly lessons with me are structured around achieving attainable short-term goals. Daily practice sessions are encouraged, but thoughtful, intermittent practice sessions far outweigh the necessity of sitting behind the kit every day. I strive to make the atmosphere of the lesson relaxed and fun; I'm patient and accommodating for different styles of learners. Although I'm fond of several famous publications such as Stick Control and The Art of Bop, I don't rely on text as the only way to deliver a musical message. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I started teaching while in college, beginning in 1987 and gradually progressed to teaching as a career in 1994. I have taught at the collegiate level at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. I have also taught award-winning drumlines at Calvert Hall College, Lansdowne High School and Dulaney High School, all in the Baltimore metropolitan area. I have taught students of a wide age range, including students as young as 5 to older adults in their 60's and 70's. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My goal is to get students to appreciate the joy of actually practicing and performing music so that they enjoy becoming better musicians overall Practice can be time consuming take a lot of patience and perseverance. I strive to make sure practice methods are productive and enjoyable at the same time. I encourage students to practice concepts that play on their strengths and weaknesses in order to nurture self confident individuals. Read More