Drum Lessons in Ray, MI

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: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

I have many years of teaching experience, from high school marching percussion lines to private percussion and guitar lessons to teaching in a public school setting. I have been a band director for concert and marching band, as well as jazz band, guitar classes, music theory and general music. I am now teaching K-8 general music classes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Electric Violin Fiddle Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

There is nothing more rewarding then to see a student achieve and accomplish a goal. I believe and always positively affirming and acknowledging there accomplishments. Positive reinforcement and encouragement always assist the student to strive and succeed. I always give my student the choice to decide between multiple pieces, but I always choose pieces with a new technique or concept, so the student is consistently learning. My job is to discovery the students desires then to formulate a lesson plan that will not only stimulate, educate and challenge but also make the learning experience enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I take everything in steps with students no matter what the age. My biggest approach I take to lessons is figuring out what the student wants to learn. If someone comes to me wanting to dive deeper into the styles of bands like Rush, we might not focus much time on snare solos (for example) because thats not what the student is interested in learning. I'm not saying that snare solos are not important, but I've come to realize that people will work harder at the things they're PASSIONATE about learning and not just the things they "should" learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have various teaching styles that I adapt based on the individual I am teaching. Some people learn best through visual and auditory methods, while others require written instructions. I am comfortable teaching in both styles, but I have noticed that most individuals learn best through hands-on experience. Nonetheless, I can adjust my teaching approach to accommodate anyone who wants to learn how to play the drums. If a student has interest in playing the drums with other people quickly, then i will also teach them important factors that come with that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My style is very hands on. We both sit together, either with just a snare, or a whole kit, and work through rudiments and get comfortable with everything drumming! I want my students to be excited that they are working towards being professional, competent and versatile - but, trust me, the whole experience is FUN! To me, nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student really getting it and becoming their own musician! Read More