Drum Lessons in Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Instruments: Drums

I really feel it's important to contribute in the efforts of raising a smarter generation of children, and also understand adult's needs and passions to pursue the art of music. I find so much joy and excitement in witnessing a student's progression, or that moment when theyve been struggling with a rhythm or assignment, and it finally "clicks", and you witness it come together right in front of you. I love that! Read More

Instruments: Drums

In my lessons I use snare drum method books such as Mitchell Peters Intermediate Book or Stick Control by George Stone to teach reading and basic hand technique.  Once I feel the student is proficient in reading and technique I move on to drumset coordination books as well as learning drum parts to the students favorite music.  I also teach techniques for xylophone, tympani and other classical percussion instruments.  I have an extensive library of music books and techniques so if one method doesn't work I have no problem customizing my lesson plan to fit the student's need. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to high school when I began teaching privately. One of my main focuses is the idea of making music. Not just playing drums and making noise, but making beautiful music. Drums is one of the most versatile instruments and I think its very important to explore and learn about its history in terms of all genres. There is so much to learn from exploring new genres we may not typically be attracted to, and I emphasize that to my students as I truly believe being a well-rounded musician is one of the most important skills we can have. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My lessons are based on 3 different approaches. The first is the understanding of the essential rudiments for drumming. These help to instill all of the basics and the foundation of drumming. The second is utilizing the collegial based learning systems. These include instruction in many genres, dynamics, appropriate context, and practical application of drumming. Lastly, I identify both the specific individual goals and the strengths and weaknesses of that specific student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've found the most successful drummers can read well and play all styles. For beginning students, I generally introduce 'Syncopation' by Ted Reed along with 'Stick Control,' the PASIC 40 Rudiments, 'Alfred's Drum Method' for drum set, and technical exercises. For more advanced students, I like to use books like Rick Latham's 'Advanced Funk Studies,' David Garibaldi's 'Future Sounds,' 'Portaits in Rhythm' by Anthony Cirone, and 'The Art of Bop Drumming' by John Riley. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have found that showing instead of telling comes across really well in teaching. I like to break things down and make sure a student isn't wasting time trying to get something new. I make them set reasonable goals in the moment till they feel like they can walk away having something new under their belt. To me one of the most important parts of showing a student something new is explaining why they should learn it or why they should do an assignment and how they can apply these things to real musical situations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

I've played Carnegie Hall with Chic Corea and The Mikarimba Band. I've opened up for Kid Kudi, Beck , Gary Clark Jr and many more at the Mcdowell Mt. Music Festival in Arizona playing with The Gus Campbell Band. I've recorded with Paul Simon and Dion (New York is My Home Stranger to Stranger album), Brian Welch (Head 2 Christ Project), Edie Brickel (Gaddabouts 3rd album 2014) and John Tropea (2014) just to name a few. Read More