Drum Lessons in Silver Spring, MD

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

Hello! My name is Donovan, and I am an instructor who specializes in ear training and technique. Originally being a self-taught musician, I began with piano and harmonica, then eventually branched out to guitar, bass, banjo, among several others. I have ran sound equipment from an early age as well, learning how to set rigs for full bands and how to mix and master tracks for recording purposes. I have met and played with many famous and unfamous musicians, and find that the highest amount of talent is undiscovered and uncultivated. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For young beginning students, I use the Elementary Drum Method by Roy Burns. For middle school aged through adult students, I use either Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed or Standard Snare Drum Method by Benjamin Podemski. For young drumset students, I use Alfred's Drumset Method by Dave Black. For middle school aged through adult students I use Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice for rock styles and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin for the jazz idiom. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching for 10 years on various levels. I've taught part-time in high schools as a college student, music stores, as well as privately. I love to build a curriculum that is specific to each student's needs. I.e. I like to work with students and help them reach the goals that they have set for themselves. As we continue towards that journey, I create new good exercises to attack problem areas that the student may have along the ride towards their goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

It is 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 makes students eager tolearn more. By trying to find out what imspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like Ted Reed's book, "Syncopation", and Haskell Harr's book "Podemski'sSnare DrumMethod." But I may bewilling to work with a similar book you have already purchased. I'll spend more time on "rudimentaldrumming"for those who aspire to play in a marching situation, and less time on it for those only in a concert band setting. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have always aspired to be a versatile drummer. Growing up I idolized drummers like Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Dennis Chambers, and many of the jazz and latin greats. I learned how to play many styles of music along the way including: jazz, soul, funk, rock, pop, blues, salsa, samba, candombe, afro-beat, reggae, symphonic percussion, and the avante garde. I am a strong believer in developing solid reading skills, learning and listening to many styles of music, and playing improvisationally. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I try to marry the goals of each of my students with the necessary skills of a complete, professional musician - time, style, feel, sensitivity, adaptability, and control. I tend to start with any grip/technique issues and then expand on the student's vocabulary, building on what already feels comfortable to them. Each lesson is completely customized to the individual; there is no "one-size-fits-all" delivery for each lesson plan - and that's what makes teaching such a fun challenge for me. Read More