Drum Lessons in Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Voice Cello Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

At night I founded my first rock band, Feedback, and later joined WD 40. Selected for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1985, I went on to write scores for string ensembles, a passion I am pursuing as an arranger and composer. My interests are motivated by my passion for world musics and the rhythmic complexity they offer which became the subject of my thesis on Afro Cuban Rumba Guaguanco. My classical and world music knowledge was put to service as a co-producer and director for MuchMusic-Musimax and BRAVO! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My lessons are all about you. I'm a firm believer in the Carol Dweck's 'Growth Mindset' mentality. There is no such thing as failure or disappointment. Only the opportunity for growth and learning. I promote the steady improvement of fundamentals for all ages and skill levels. Every student progresses at a different rate. I like to set goals on a regular basis to help push you to be the best you can be. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching early into my drumming studies when my teacher asked me to fill in when he wasn’t available. That made it easy for me to relate to my students and my love of teaching grew alongside my love of drumming. I have studied the drums with William Lyons, Mark Schulman (Pink, Foreigner), and Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, New Edition). I have toured and recorded with a variety of bands and won the “Electronica Drummer of The Year” at the L.A. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a self-motivated, adaptable, and encouraging instructor with 14 years of performing experience and 8 years of teaching experience (6 professional). I'm an expert in vocals, piano, guitar, drums, songwriting, and I also play bass and ukulele. I graduated from University of Washington Seattle in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I've performed countless times in competitive jazz (national), percussion, rock, drum-line, and concert ensembles. I also had the privilege of training and performing with renowned world music artists such as Amarilys Rios (Afro-Caribbean Bomba Percussion), Phyllis Byrdwell (Gospel Vocals), and Ganesh Rajagopalan (South Indian Classical). Read More

Instruments: Drums

It did not take long after I first began playing drums in the 4th grade to realize that this was something that I wanted to center my life around. I had the good fortune to attend college for music as well as study at Drummers Collective. I started teaching just after college at several local music stores. I have worked with students of all ages and abilities teaching every style of music and playing imaginable.  As a player I have had the opportunity to play with all kinds of ensembles and bands all over the country. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching style is very Freddie Gruber, if you don't know who that is I recommend you look him up on youtube! I believe in motion. In understanding the motions your body has to make and repeating them like an athlete to get the same sound on the drum every time you hit a drum. In sitting down to play and not be nervous you will mess up, but love the fact that you will mess up and it's okay and part of this process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More