Drum Lessons in Rockvale, TN

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style is fairly relaxed. The pace depends on the students' goals and skill level. Most importantly, I want the student to have fun! I like to encourage students to become proficient in reading, but I only will use books that suit the students needs and desires. As such, there is no one book or program that I depend on. However, I do insist that students practice and come prepared to each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I find it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

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

For jazz, I teach out of John Riley's, "The Art of Bop Drumming." For Cuban and Brazilian percussion, I teach out of Ed Uribe's, "The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion and Drum Set," and "The Essence of Brazilian Percussion and Drum Set." For Rudimental Snare Drum I teach out of Charley Wilcoxon's, "The All-American Drummer," and for Concert Snare Drum I teach out of Mitchell Peters' Snare Drum Studies Books. For Mallet Percussion, I teach out of Morris Goldenberg's, "The Modern School For Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone." Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My musical pursuits started in the 5th grade when I began playing in school band. Throughout Middle and High School I played in All County Jazz and Symphonic band. Upon my graduation I was accepted into Berklee College of Music on a merit-based scholarship and received my Bachelors of Music in Drumset Performance. It was at Berklee that I also began my teacher career and discovered the rewarded endeavor of sharing my passion for music with others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching does not cut corners. I often tell young students to watch the movie "Karate Kid" and play close attention to the "Wax on, wax off" scenes. (Fortunately, there are practice supplements using play along tracks that make this process more fun and less tedious). I not teach "songs", but I do teach the language of drumming and the language of music. I am an advanced reader and all of my students will be required to read at least some music, however I do understand that many students learn by ear. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Technology is very important in my lessons: the studio is equiped with speakers so the student can play along to their favorite music. There is a also a printer so worksheets can be instantly made. There are drum mics and a mixer so the student can listen to their playing weekly and find ways to improve. I like to figure out what a students interests are and go from there. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I got into teaching at a fairly young age, beginning my junior year in high school. I began teaching kids who were just getting into middle school band, as well as some of my peers. Although I never aspired to be a full-time teacher, I developed a strong passion for teaching there are few things I enjoy more than witnessing a student succeed. I have helped many of my students with auditions, competitions, and recitals. Read More