Drum Lessons in Potomac, MD

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music

I am an active performer and percussion instructor who enjoys introducing new students to the world of music as well as honing the skills of more advanced players.  I have earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I have had the opportunity to perform with various groups across the United States and Europe.  My private teaching studio is located in my home in Maryland, where I have all the instruments we will need to get you where you want to be musically!  Read More

Instruments: Drums

My approach to teaching starts with the rudiments. Every Student of mine has to have a good grasp on what stickings are avalible to them. Following the studies of rudiments, i will teach them about note values and reading music notation. Once they have a fair understanding of the fundamentals, i will then begin to assign homework where they can read whole peices of music and scores. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For the beginner student I start with the essentials to reading music. Once the student has a understanding of rhythmic note values, I generally start with Alfred's Drum Method Book One or Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. I also start working snare drum rudiments and focus on issues like grip and wrist stroke to ensure correct technique. I use a range of different books and material for drumset, according to where the student's skill level and musical interest is. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

From 1995-2008 I served as principal percussionist with the Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra. As a member of the American Federation of Musicians, I have performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Opera Orchestra, the Baltimore Jazz Orchestra and, from 1997-2004, I was the drummer for the award-winning Peabody Ragtime Ensemble. I have performed with Grammy and Tony Award winning artists including pianist/composer Peter Nero, film and stage actor Richard Harris, Contemporary Christian vocalist Sandi Patty, Broadway choreographer/performer Tommy Tune and pop music vocalist Sheena Easton. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Drums Piccolo Acoustic Guitar

I absolutely love getting students really excited about their instrument. I like to show videos of high level playing and introduce a wide variety of genres and styles while I find exactly what it is that inspires the student to play. My lesson structure normally consists of a warm up, rudiment/sticking work, reading or playing exercise and new concepts, then work on a song. I really try to get my students playing along with tracks so they can hear how drums sound in a band setting and apply it to their playing! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Keyboard

For begining student I typically start with a book called Essential Elements. I supplement some of the things in the book with other literature and hand written exercise to help enhance learning experience. For Adults I try to find what genre and music style they would like to work on. This then allows me to plan a custom learning experience that best suits them and what they're looking to gain from the experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Piccolo Oboe Bassoon Music Keyboard

I'm most comfortable working with beginner to intermediate students, ages 7-11. Initially, I will provide my students with an assessment to learn more about the student's interest and performance level. Subsequently, based upon the assessment results, I will provide my students with a series of warm-up exercises designed to support proper posture, breathing and the overall handling of their respective instrument for every session . Each session and lesson plans are customized for my students, and will be scheduled as followed: 5 minutes - Greeting and Warm-Up Exercise(s); 10 minutes - Modeling/ Recap and Collaborative Instruction of Core Skill(s); 10 minutes - Independent Application Recording Assessment of Core Skill(s); 5 minutes - Critiquing of Core Skill(s) Wrap-Up Activity. Read More