Drum Lessons in Pfafftown, NC

Instruments: Drums

Music is, and should be fun! It is also hard work, but when done right, these two go hand in hand. No one should leave a lesson feeling discouraged, personally or musically. This is why I work hard to understand what each individual student's goals are, and quickly assess how he or she may achieve those goals. Additionally, not every student learns the same way, and I strive to ascertain and respond to each individual's needs. Read More

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

As stated previously, one of my greatest joys is seeing a student grow and thrive with a musical experience. I understand that not every one of my students will want to pursue music in their life, but music can bolster character, discipline, and creativity-- no matter their age. My methods include basic goal setting, encouraging and providing performance opportunity (no matter how small), and I also let the student's interests lead the way. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I work out of various Drum Set method books, which at first I give page copies for students. Once students are acclimated to how lessons work (and sure they want to continue) I encourage them to purchase the book(s) we are working out of. I try to work out of books for reading, but most other learning I like to take on personally. Books are great for learning and seeing new material, but they don't do much for a performance, writing parts or learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Since graduating with a degree in music from UNC-G, I have been active as a professional musician, including performances with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Piedmont Triad Wind Symphony, the North Carolina Brass Band, the Shirelles, the Sammy Kaye Big Band, Susan Ray, Frank Fontaine, Jim Cole, and numerous rock and jazz groups, churches, and musical theater organizations. I am currently a staff drummer/percussionist at Jamestown United Methodist Church, as well as an active freelance musician in the Triad area. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I gave my first drum lesson when I was just 14 years old. I can still remember how satisfying it was to be with students and witness the wonder and awe they had in their own hidden ability. My training has been both formal and informal, self-taught and others-taught, over the course of 4 decades of life. Equally, for many years Ive been fiercely committed to my own professional, spiritual, personal, and inter-personal development, which I feel is a potent path for any potential teacher/mentor/coach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon Keyboard Djembe

For beginning students, I start with the Essential Elements book. If the student has already taken lessons or is in their school band/orchestra, I encourage moving onto the Rubank Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced method books depending on ability. Once a student has proven that they are able to handle it, I will start on solo repertoire. Particularly for college-bound musicians who wish to major in music, the majority of their lessons will be based on preparing solo literature for All District or college auditions. Read More