Drum Lessons in Schiller Park, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for a few years now and playing professionally for 7 years. I've been playing guitar for over a decade total, and over the years I have not only learned how to play any style of music, but how to teach each style individually as well. I started learning guitar on a nylon string acoustic and playing songs from my favorite punk or grunge bands. Eventually I got myself an electric guitar and amp and things really took off for me. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Every student comes with a different playing ability, learning style, and general goals for what they would like to accomplish. I remind myself of this everyday before I teach. I believe that individuality is one of the most important aspects of music, so I listen to what my student wants to learn and I try to create a somewhat customized curriculum that caters to their needs. I use my experience as a teacher and a learner to meet my students at their level, and empathize with what they may be feeling during my lessons. 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

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

One of the most valuable things I learned from Jim Campbell, my main professor/teacher/mentor during my undergraduate career at the University of Kentucky, is that a great teacher does not necessarily need to have already mastered the art form themselves - in fact, as it is said that the best leaders are great followers, I strongly believe that the best teachers are great students, even in a private lesson setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

For beginning students and youth, I typically start with music theory and proper positioning. I have found an easy method for playing songs almost immediately. For students that desire sight reading as a priority, I will start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and walk them through exercises that will keep them sharp and focused. For adults, I want to learn their goal and their niche. I will structure my course around their needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I like to start with the basic fundamentals of holding the drum sticks properly and how to set up the drum set so its comfortable for the student. Every body type is different and its important to start with that. Then we would move on to learning the basics of different styles and then move on to reading music from method books. With adult students, I find out what they are interested in and work towards their goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More