Drum Lessons in Skykomish, WA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two. A typical 60 minute lesson run down: 5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up 15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style 10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves weve been working on and some exercises to improve technique 5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest 20 minutes - working on a song. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For my beginning drum students, I use Mark Wessels "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum and Drum Set", Rod Morganstein's "drum set musician", and Mitchell Peters' "Developing Dexterity". For students that have a good grasp of the basics, I work through material that caters to their specific interests (jazz, rock, latin, West-African, orchestral/school band, or marching percussion). I also write original etudes for my students based on their needs and include a midi accompaniment to motivate students to work on their assigned material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I enjoy helpingmy students discover their own individual learning style,and with this knowledge Iam able toadjustmyteaching method appropriately.In developing a passion for music, it is important tofirst determine the type of musicyouenjoy. Students naturally want to learn and play the music they love, so the genre of music that I teach depends on the student's preference. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Each and every student will respond differently to instruction, and I am proud to say that I am extremely adaptable. I want to make sure that I am communicating with each individual in a way that they will understand and be successful with, because the student is the most important variable. I use a wide variety of pop culture, classical influence, and I make sure to provide my students with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow in many ways, including encouraging them to participate in live performaces, competitions, and composition. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I have been playing drums since I was twelve years old and have performed in many rock and jazz bands. I studied music in college and graduated with a Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from San Francisco State University in 1992. Since then I have continued to perform in local rock, jazz and blues groups as well performing with the Berkeley Symphony, The Santa Rosa Symphony and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I'm a musician to my core. I have love music since before I played it. I always like the bass guitar even though I couldn't play one (yet) and I really wanted to play bass once I heard Stanley Clarke play his bass guitar. I was blown away and I had to learn how to play bass guitar, which I did. I have traveled and performed around the world because of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I began teaching privately during college and have been doing so continuously since then.  My experience over the years with these many different students has shaped my teaching-to-the-individual method.  No matter the type of learner I strongly encourage regular and devoted practice of one's chosen instrument and feel that an attitude focusing on constant improvement (no matter how small the steps) goes a long way.  I embrace a student's taste in music and tailor my lessons with those styles in mind. Read More