Drum Lessons in Sun Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have an advanced level of experience in the following, Jazz, Chord Melody, Blues, Melodic Soloing, Harmony and Chord Theory, Ear Training, Fret Board understanding, and Songwriting. Most of this was honed while attending Musicians Institute. I was teaching on the side, but most of my time was spent writing, getting on stage, and growing within the industry. And that continues today. Today my living is built from teaching and working as a performing singer-songwriter throughout the city. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I like to start younger students off with sticking, familiarity with the instrument, basic rudiments and basic notation/reading. Once they have a grasp on basic rhythmic concepts, I like to teach functional grooves so students can begin to play music with others. My emphasis is peformance, and teaching functional grooves/ideas/fills as well as classic percussion literature helps students feel confident in performing. For older students, I try and help develop the tools needed express themselves in their chosen style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

The way I teach is about showing the student "the dance" of drums. The exercises and rudiments they practice are the movements in a dance. For example, with Punk drums the movements need to be mastered and played fast so the student will have to practice to get the movements up to speed instead of focusing on the beat. With Pop drums the movements need to be comfortable but precise as the student learns the importance of a metronome and how to relate to it by thinking of it as a member of the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

This continued, grew and developed throughout my 5 year tenure. As required by music education minors, we had to participate in finding an accredited school system and observe for one year and assist for one year. I was fortunate to discover String Theory Charter School in Center City Philadelphia and began walking to the school every morning before my classes started, sitting in the back of the classroom taking notes and shadowing the orchestral and vocal teachers as they went about their morning classes, absorbing as much information as I could. Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

I've been teaching privately since my college days at Western Michigan University. I've been fortunate enough to study classical ( western european ) and jazz music/percussion with Judy Moonert and Billy Hart. I currently teach at Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, Ca In my time spent with Judy Billy, I learned how to be a working professional in the West Michigan music scene. Because of there help, I was able to gig ( work ) around town and make money while I was in college. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have taught the drums in a variety of settings for 15 years. In Australia I worked for the South Australian Government in the Instrumental Music Service for 3 years. I provided group drum lessons to students ranging from elementary to senior high school age with a total of 40 lessons each week, at 10 different schools to over 100 students! While in this role, I also coordinated ensembles and concert bands and also established a music program at a juvenile detention centre. 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