Drum Lessons in San Rafael, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More

Instruments: Drums

His work with the popular San Francisco Bay Area blues group, RON THOMPSON THE RESISTORS contributed to the band earning two Bay Area Music Awards (BAMMY). His impressive career also includes a motion picture role as a nightclub band member in the Academy Award nominated Peggy Sue Got Married and being featured on the ABC Television San Francisco local affiliate, KGO for his work with GRAMMY In The Schools as a mentor and instructor. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I learn by doing and I believe that my students should play what inspires them! If it's classical, let's study Bach and Mozart together - if it's Latin, let's study Dave Valentin and Johnny Pacheco. I have always had a broad taste in music and I think it's wonderful when students bring me songs that inspire them. Let's work the chords out together and study the greats! I believe that the engaged student will be the successful student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am largely a self-taught player. I play for 1-3 hours each day, honing my skills and feel. I dont teach reading, although I use basic notation for exercises and grooves. I have played in numerous musical situations, from jazz to rock, blues, country and even Cabaret, both on the East Coast and in the Bay Area. I have been in groups that have played in the Cow Palace, in front of thousands of people, the Concord Pavilion, and the former Keystone Korner jazz club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to emphasize fundamentals, especially if a student is just beginning. I believe a strong foundation makes it easier as they progress. For all instruments I always have my students prepare both technical exercises and solo material. I always emphasize historical context to bring the music to life. I also like to teach the music theory side of music, explaining chords, sequences and progressions. I can inform students how to improvise in jazz, as well as play at the level required for symphonic performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums Ukulele

I have a great system of teach the fundamentals of drumming by using warm ups that can progress the technique and skill of the individual. Its been a proven method of mine for years that I truly have the confidence that I can teach anyone how to drum regardless of their background in music. Im in tune of figuring out the learning curve of the individual that I can adjust according to the timing of the student. Read More