Drum Lessons in South Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

From beginner to advanced, I believe in the classic's like " Ted Reed's Syncopation ", " Stick Control " " The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught by Alan Dawson ". I believe the best tool is MUSIC. Playing along with music or musicians will ultimately help the most. But fundamentals are a must. Push/Pull or Open/Close Technique will help develop hand speed around the drum set. Finger technique will help with fast drum patterns and single stroke roll speed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in layers. Step one leads to step two, we cant skip steps! I find it important that for beginners we follow this structure. More advanced students will be on a case by case basis in regards to where we start. I emphasize imprivisation in every lesson weather it be on drums, piano or trombone. Playing music right off the top of your head, and in the moment is something you can't learn out of a book! Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My style caters to each student individually, we all have an idea on what we want out of our instrument. Some people just want to jam and others want a career, Im here for both. Wherever you want to be on that grid, I can get you there. Growing up, i wanted to be a drum tech rather a performer..crazy right? As i progressed in school, i realized "tech" skills served more than i thought. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing is more rewarding than sharing my passion for music with my students. I love to watch them grow and I am always conscious of setting realistic goals for each student every lesson. I make sure the homework is clear and attainable by the student. I want each student to feel good about their progress and to fuel their passions for drums. By acknowledging accomplishments students become more eager to learn more, and therefor progress at a much faster pace. Read More

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

I also led the weekly performance programs with up to 25 students, preparing them for seasonal shows at popular venues. I have extensive in-home and online teaching experience as well, which includes arranging optimal commute schedules and recitals at schools and theaters. So, whether the student is a kindergartner singing ABC by Jackson 5, a 14-year-old learning recording basics, a 19-year-old preparing for a national theatre competition, a 40-year-old learning melody writing, or a 70-year-old learning the keys to Tell Me Something Good by Rufus, I can creatively adapt to the student's unique learning style and background on many different instruments. Read More