Drum Lessons in Palatine, IL

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I realize all students have individuals personalities and needs. I tailor my methods to help the students achieve their individual goals. I enjoy watching my students grow as musicians and people, find satisfaction knowing I can help them succeed in obtaining their dreams as musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

I have been a teacher my whole life. In high school, I tutored Shotokan Karate classes, taught swimming lessons, tutored younger students, and taught drum lessons. In college, I was a peer tutor for writing, and continued to teach drum lessons. Since graduating, I have regularly taught drum lessons, and now instruct Kundalini Yoga/Meditation as well. I have an intuitive sense of what any individual student needs and can always break things down in the most digestible way possible, and can teach anybody how to do anything. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I like to start with the basic fundamentals of holding the drum sticks properly and how to set up the drum set so its comfortable for the student. Every body type is different and its important to start with that. Then we would move on to learning the basics of different styles and then move on to reading music from method books. With adult students, I find out what they are interested in and work towards their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. 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

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 Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More