Drum Lessons in Rossmoor, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Seeing my students excited about music drives my passion for teaching! As I structure my curriculum for each student, I like to incorporate things like active listening and history into lessons so that it's never just going through the motions and doing monotonous exercises. Often introducing an artist or moment that was crucial in music history sparks creativity and motivation in students when they might not have been introduced to it earlier. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am an active percussionist currently based in the San Fernando Valley, but my passion for music has brought me all over the world. After earning a Bachelors degree in Percussion Performance from Humboldt State University under Dr. Eugene Novotney, I continued my musical studies at the University of Ghana in West Africa, and have since been to 21 different countries in search of exotic sounds and rhythms. I have recorded drumkit and percussion on over a dozen albums, and have internationally and domestically toured with Cleopatra Records artists Hedersleben and Nik Turners Hawkwind. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am extremely motivated to see my students enjoy their musical journey and have then develop their own passion for music. This usually requires setting goals that my students can reach with adequate practice, and constantly encouraging them throughout lessons. I believe that when students are given the right encouragement and acknowledgement they are more likely to succeed and have even more drive to learn. Too often I have encountered teachers that are extremely harsh in their teaching, but I do not think this really brews learning at a young age. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Now I've recently moved to LA to pursue the next stage of my teaching and recording career. In the last few years, I've attained recognition and close partnerships with some of the industry's leading producers for excellence in songwriting, overall musicianship, and the potential for a long-term recording career. Some of these producers include Shelly Yakus (John Lennon, U2, Tom Petty) - Former vice president of A&M Records and nominee for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, Ziggy Marley, Motley Crue) - Three-time Grammy winner and top LA engineer, Toby Wright (Alice In Chains, Metallica, Kiss) - Top alternative/hard rock producer of the 90s and 2000s, and Nick Didia (Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen) - 40 millions record sold. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching style is informal in that the lessons are challenging, but the delivery is casual. It's important for me as a teacher to relate to the student on a personal level, so that I understand what the student wants to do and the direction and path they'd like to take. To see the student progress is most important, but to understand the best method to encourage the student is the primary function of the instructor. Read More

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

My go-to books for Drummers, beginners and advanced are 1. Advanced technique for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin and 2. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. No matter what you listen to, the material in these books can be applied to any style. Another tip is to learn what influenced your favorite players. I Guarantee every one of your favorite drummers has studied this book. It contains beginner techniques through the most prominent advanced skills. Read More