Drum Lessons in Santa Monica, CA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching style is based fully on understanding the goals and dreams of each individual student. I like to develop a plan to get each student to a level of proficiency in which they can direct themselves toward the next goal. This is done through consistent methodology and practice scheduling, as well as periodic reviews of the students past progress up to date. Often times, the student will not even realize they have crossed a hurdle as it is easy to start looking further down the road as the students abilities start to become second nature. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, its important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress and this makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Students can expect a heavy dose of fun, while still maintaining a solid drumming foundation. Lessons focus on reading music, as well as theory. Technique (The correct ways to play). Rudiments Exercises. Grooves, Fills, Solos. Songwriting (Learning to play your favorite tunes as well as structuring your own). Timing and feel (Playing with a Metronome). Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

For piano I use a combination of the Bastien books, if you are a beginner. For more intermediate or advanced I use whatever music the student is interested in. It could be the Great American Songbook or classical music. For percussion, for beginners I use the Garwood Whaley book, Fundamentals for the Snare Drum. For drum set I use the Syncopation Book by Ted Reed and a variety of other books depending on the need. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My main focus of teaching is on the student, and on developing and expanding their existing musical interests. I develop a lesson plan and schedule that begins with the musical interests and passions of the student, their favorite bands, favorite songs and musical styles. From there I take each of their favorite pieces of music and demonstrate how the building blocks of music were used to create each, and how they can not only recreate their favorites, but start to create their own musical identity. Read More