Drum Lessons in Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Seeing my students excited about music drives my passion for teaching! As I structure my curriculum for each student, I like to incorporate things like active listening and history into lessons so that it's never just going through the motions and doing monotonous exercises. Often introducing an artist or moment that was crucial in music history sparks creativity and motivation in students when they might not have been introduced to it earlier. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

My teaching style is fast-paced, fun, and engaging. I integrate many musical styles and genres, from pop to classical to give my students a wide array of musical experiences. I believe in positive reinforcement and prioritize a student's social-emotional learning. Through music, my students will learn about the world, their community, and themselves. I focus on growth and not benchmarks to assess the success of my students. I also gig regularly on both instruments, allowing my students to have ample opportunities to watch me play. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

My teaching style is supportive. I like to help teach a student how to practice as well as how to play. My fondest memories as a student were those where I was learning and listening to music with my teacher. Watching them react and feel the beats is an incredibly informative part of the learning experience. Learning of to digest material and make it feel musical and fun for the student is a huge goal that I have as a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion

I really work hard to customize the lessons to each student, discussing with them (or their parent) what their goals are.  For beginning students who are children, I use a few great books, some of which I even learned out of when I took my first lessons at age 6. For older students, I try to be open to any material they're intrested in.  If a student  is set on learning to play Beach Boys songs, we don't spend so much time on the classic technique and rudiments BUT over the last 15 years I've developed a system of incorporating fundamentals into practical application that gets my students playing real songs right away while improving technique. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nice, friendly and patient. The most important part of the lesson is the state of mind. For anyone, going to a lesson should be an event to look forward to, nothing else. So, I try to make the drummer in everyone "go to work", even though I take the easy approach. And I love it when the students feel like they get it. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

In 2006, I accepted a position with The Van-Dells and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. After returning in 2007, having received my Journeyman and Professional certificates in percussion, I was hired on in 2007 as a classroom drummer, teaching assistant, and LPW (Live Playing Workshop) instructor, all the while playing gigs with local bands and working doing recording sessions. I currently teach online and remotely, play with multiple local L.A. bands, and frequently perform in live and studio setting. Read More