Drum Lessons in River Grove, IL

Instruments: Drums

I began teaching lessons after college in my home town of Boothbay Maine, working with young players in order to get a grasp for the teaching world. Over the past five years I have been teaching lessons off and on to various experience levels and learning styles which I believe makes me ready for anything. Seeing my students improve has been the most rewarding experince of my life. I take great pride in my ability to adapt to various students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I mentioned previously, I find it very important that every student be approached from an individual, customized standpoint. However, I do find it important that every student has a strong basis in fundamentals and sound quality so that they have a strong foundation which they can then build upon. For beginning students, I will typically start them with rudiments and eventually work them into a mix of published and improvised solos to foster both technical progress and artistic creativity. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I try to keep lessons fun even though there's aspects that might be boring. So, I will switch from snare drum to drum set. Learning how to combine rudiments with drum set music such as jazz and rock is very beneficial. When my students are having trouble with a certain area, I do well with taking out that area and making a drill out of it. One of my specialties is that I will play the bass with students for various styles so they can have a hands on experience of the relationship of a rhythm section, phrasing, and timing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

Passion for music and fluency with the language of music are my ultimate goals. When I can get students passionately and freely expressing themselves, without hesitations, inhibitions, or apologies, I feel I have liberated the master artist that dormant within each of us. Everyone has such a powerful, and beautiful voice within: to be able to fearlessly communicate it through the power of music is my goal for all students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My began teaching 8 years ago when I taught 3 students to play bass and guitar. We started from scratch and I was happy to see the results in a short while. In a month (10 lessons) we could play a chosen song without mistakes. I still remember that It was Marigold by Dave Grohl. That's what inspires you to teach! Speaking about my performing experience, I have 10 years of playing on stage, including huge open-air city concerts and chamber music events. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use many ideas from various sources to combine with my instruction methods; All with a gradient level in mind rising to a higher plateau of musical knowledge and understanding. I combine theory with practical applications of each concept being taught. Music theory, practical exercises, along with ear training appropriate to the level or needs of a student. I give students songs to learn that emphasizes concepts being taught.They have an option to select their own songs, if it's not outside their level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

For beginning students and youth, I typically start with music theory and proper positioning. I have found an easy method for playing songs almost immediately. For students that desire sight reading as a priority, I will start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and walk them through exercises that will keep them sharp and focused. For adults, I want to learn their goal and their niche. I will structure my course around their needs. Read More