Drum Lessons in Pinehurst, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is laid back and technical. I like to go at the pace of the student and really make sure technique is perfect. With good technique you set yourself up for success and develop good habits from the start. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students, even in college, dramatically improve their sound with just a simple posture change. Once technique is handled, the doors to all genres of music are open. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two. A typical 60 minute lesson run down: 5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up 15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style 10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves weve been working on and some exercises to improve technique 5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest 20 minutes - working on a song. Read More

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

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Each and every student will respond differently to instruction, and I am proud to say that I am extremely adaptable. I want to make sure that I am communicating with each individual in a way that they will understand and be successful with, because the student is the most important variable. I use a wide variety of pop culture, classical influence, and I make sure to provide my students with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow in many ways, including encouraging them to participate in live performaces, competitions, and composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

I am a 42 year old Male instructor, who has lived in Seattle since 2006. Moving from the Southwest, I am currently a professional music instructor and performer.. Enjoying the outdoors immensely, I often find myself riding my bicycle, jogging and hiking in the Great Northwest. I have a large interest in soccer as well, spending time enjoying watching and playing it around the city.  Music is largely my main passion, I play it and enjoy attending live music Covid permitting. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching privately for the past 8 years. I began teaching private lessons shortly after enrolling at LSU teaching through the university's performing arts academy. After graduating, I began teaching group percussion lessons with the non-profit organization Kids' Orchestra and also teaching general music at Victory Christian Academy. During my time with Kids' Orchestra I was able to encourage a passion for music in young students from the inner-city who would not have been able to afford music lessons. Read More