Drum Lessons in Silver Spring, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style has been described as one that rewards hard work and dedication, but leaves room for experimentation and fun. I believe that each student has unique gifts to offer the world, and it is my job to uncover them through a combination of connecting to the individual as a person and allowing their personality and aptitude to shine. My goal is always to inspire my students to want to learn, instead of fostering an environment where they feel forced into it. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Once students master these basics through the classes and the occasional take home studies, we will then work on rudiments around the whole drum set to develop freeform soloing, before moving on to Jazz and Latin beats. I ask my students to work on rudiments at home comfortably between TV commercials, and to work on the notation, reading and groove lessons for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for low stress progression. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love teaching, it's what I'm very passionate about and gifted at. I am aware that everyone learns differently, and I will teach accordingly to your needs. To help someone grow in their passion as well, one that we share, is a great reward. With my teaching style you will learn how to play your instrument with pride, passion, and power (The three P's). You will have fun while learning new techniques, and patterns to grow your skill level and passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Also, I will use books by Czerny and early Bach tutorials. My teacher at Peabody, Fernando Laires was a student of Isidor Philipp (who himself was of the school of Chopin and Lizst) and as a result I teach the independence, relaxed form, and energy conservation of their schools of technique. For percussion I focus on rudiments, and stick control. When teaching drum set, I teach keeping time, fills, and cross-sticking. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more important to me than seeing my students develop not only their skills as a player but also true passion for music. Whether I'm working with a youngster or an adult, I always employ a kind, encouraging and patient teaching style. First and foremost, I aim to create a fun and relaxed learning environment. When a student is hitting a wall with a particular skill, I will then move on to something else, to then return to the skill after giving the student a mental break. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Steve is originally from the Binghamton, NY area and began studying drums at the age of 12 with local jazz musician Tony Monforte. He participated in the All State Orchestra and was placed on the Pro-Mark Honor Roll for young, up-and-coming drummers. Steve received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he studied with Gordon Stout, Steve Brown, and Robert Bridge. He was selected to participate in the Henry Mancini Institute where he worked with some of the leading jazz, film, and classical musicians and composers from around the world including Terence Blanchard, Bud Shank, Christian McBride, and Jerry Goldsmith. Read More