Drum Lessons in Pontiac, MI

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

My name is Gary and teaching and performing music is my life! I have a wonderful family that loans me out for my music. My wife's name is Sandy and she works for a vet and I have three great children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I have had an eclectic teaching career so far. I have held teaching positions at Linden High School, Linden Middle School, Carman Ainsworth High School, Ida High School, Summit Academy High School, Clio High School, Flushing High School, South Lyon High School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Middle School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy High School, and Impact Percussion. In addition to these school positions, I am also taught privates lessons for several years. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Music is my passion and driving force, and I love to share that love with others. I graduated from Churchill High School in Livonia, MI after 4 years of drumline and orchestra, and went on to study 2 years of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University. Ive been teaching students ages 5-19 since 2007 and I love it. Lately, my main gig has been working on the roster for the illustrious event/wedding band Bluewater Kings Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner Piano / Keyboard Students, I use the Bastien Books. They are simple to understand and get the Student through the first few stages of Right Hand Left Hand coordination and positions. I have several different books for Saxophone Students that feature technique, solo repertoire and duets. Depending on whether the student is a child, a teenager or an adult, I choose either a Daisy Guitar Book, Hal Leonard books, or the Berkeley School of Music for Guitarists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

More than anything music should be fun. The greatest musicians are the ones who enjoy playing music even when they're just practicing. I like to teach in a way that involves asking the student questions in order to get them to figure out the answer for themself, rather than just lecturing the whole time while they start daydreaming! This way the student is more involved in the learning process and it can make their time spent learning an instrument more worth it. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize, above all, practice. If a student doesn't practice daily, then they aren't going to improve at their full potentail rate. I would never "push" a student, but I do encourage students to strive for their best. I know when I need to adapt the situation to fit a student's specific needs. If a student isn't getting something, I know exactly how to back up, break it down, and explain it in a way that they will understand. Read More