Drum Lessons in Russell, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

I encourage regular lesson attendance and practice at home. Consistency is key when learning and developing a new skill set especially when concerning younger students. I feel that the balance of establishing a strong technical foundation and fostering a love for music is fundamental in fostering passion and enthusiasm for new students. I try and find out what the student is interested in and tailor each lesson to their specific needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have performed and toured regionally and nationally with a variety of artists including George Maurer, Mick Sterling, Rich Trueman, and The Memories. I have also opened shows for many recognized national artists such as Joe Satriani, The Buckinghams, Edgar Winter, Alabama, and many others. I encourage individual practice and also strongly encourage formation of groups with other musicians to share ideas, understand dynamics of playing together and fundamentals of time. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love performing and teaching. These are my twin passions--my calling, if you will. I stay active doing and improving both of these areas. I also have a broad range of musical interests and knowledge that I bring to every lesson, as well as to every performance. I can play and teach reggae music, for example, but I also provide a history and cultural context of the style--information that leads to better, more authentic performances. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I make sure all of my students have a solid foundation in technique and rythm with Progressive Step to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed, Stick Contro by George Lawrence Stone, and then try to tailor the lessons to the students specific needs. I use standard method books based on the students goals along with personal exercises and techniques to help supplement the development of the focused area of study the student wishes to pursue. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If you are a beginner, we start with right and left hand positions. Once you master main principles and choose the technique (fingers/muting/pick/slap/etc) you move on to working on a line. Then we increase the repertoire and develop various techniques. If you already have some background, we concentrate on your interests, such as styles, techniques and genres (both hands, finger and/or pick, slap, alternative tuning, chords, composing and line developing, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners, after we learn the basics of the instrument, I employ a repertoire-based instruction model that has students bringing their favorite songs to me. I use this repertoire to teach important concepts, all while the students learns what they want to learn. As a student transitions into intermediate drumming, I start to introduce some technical exercises that will allow the student to grow into their own style and express themselves. Read More