Drum Lessons in Studio City, 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

My teaching experience dates back to high school when I began teaching privately. One of my main focuses is the idea of making music. Not just playing drums and making noise, but making beautiful music. Drums is one of the most versatile instruments and I think its very important to explore and learn about its history in terms of all genres. There is so much to learn from exploring new genres we may not typically be attracted to, and I emphasize that to my students as I truly believe being a well-rounded musician is one of the most important skills we can have. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

My go-to books for Drummers, beginners and advanced are 1. Advanced technique for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin and 2. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. No matter what you listen to, the material in these books can be applied to any style. Another tip is to learn what influenced your favorite players. I Guarantee every one of your favorite drummers has studied this book. It contains beginner techniques through the most prominent advanced skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Recorder

I've been teaching for several years since I got out of College and it's been a rewarding experience. I love witnessing my students make progress and evolve. I love to feel and share their passion for music. I do like to have a program to ensure constant progress but I do not mind at all adapting, changing, or not following at all the program depending on the student's demands and goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

I typically use a lot from my marching band days to get students warmed up and really fine tune their technique and coordination. From there it truly depends on the student's goals and skill levels. I like to work on specific songs the student wants to learn or use other pieces that apply directly to what the student is trying to achieve. From there I break everything down to the basics and slowly build upon that. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For any level I like to check to see if they have a solid enough grasp on fundamentals. For drum kit users I like to only have the kick drum, snare and hi-hat available. If its a more experienced player, I like to have them play a simple groove just to see where they are and tailor how I teach them to most benefit where they would like to go in their journey. Read More

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

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More