Drum Lessons in Russell, IL

Instruments: Drums

Hi! My name's Nick, I'm a student at Northwestern University studying music education! I've been playing drums for nearly a decade. I got my start playing at local clubs in Minneapolis under the mentorship of the top musicians in the Twin Cities . I was admitted to the Bienen school of music at Northwestern University to pursue a jazz performance degree under the guidance of world-acclaimed musicians. In 2022, I decided instead to pursue a degree in music education, studying instrumental and general classroom music with leading field experts. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Designing practice programs that cater to the learning styles for each student is something I take pride in and find to be most effective and efficient way to improve. I will get my students prepared for any situation they want to take part in, whither it be auditions, recitals, casual gigs, recording sessions, and more. With that said, I believe passion is the most important aspect of improving on any instrument, and will be made a priority so that the student is able to pursue whatever playing style or genre they love most. Read More

Instruments: Drums

First things first. We will use ourearsto learn music before we spend time reading what musiclooks likeon paper. This is especially true when learning to play the drum set. How many rock or jazz drummers do you see reading music on stage? This is not because they can't, rather it shows that drum set playing is more about interpreting music--not necessarily playing it exactly the same all the time. This skill involves our ears, not our eyes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I have loved teaching ever since I was young. Both of my parents were educators before retiring, and whether it was math or science, I’ve always enjoyed seeing the lightbulb go off in my students. I feel as a teacher, it is vital to focus first on the foundations that will later create more success, especially those that are necessary for truly understanding that instrument. Once those are established, I then focus on weaknesses, where practice and diligence become important. Read More

Instruments: Drums

A beginner private lesson will usually begin with wrist and finger exercises that establish technical foundation for exploring other rudiments. Secondly, teaching music notation. The four basic ways to divide the pulse and how they are notated. Third, 3 way co-ordination. Use of one foot and hands together. (Usually beginning and intermediate rock beats) Lastly, Application of all of the above to a musical situation. For intermediate and advanced students fundamental technique is still and will always be a part of how to better control and co-ordinate hands and feet. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginners, I typically start with Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone, and The Drumset Musician by Rod Morganstein. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I sculpt the lesson plan depending on the style(s) the student would like to learn, from Rock and Funk to Jazz, Latin and more. For intermediate to advanced students, I try to figure out what goals the student would like to achieve, and then plan a lesson that will help the student achieve those goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

While I was still in high school in 1995, I began giving drum lessons to neighborhood kids. After a while, I realized it was something I could really get into. Before even graduating, I taught 10-12 steady students for quite a long time. Some of the neighborhood kids studied with me until they went to college. In the past ten years, I have taught in music stores and am now at the Kenosha Conservatory of Music for over 2 years. Read More