Drum Lessons in Sunset Hill, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In addition to the recording and performing experience listed above, I've been a full-time private lessons instructor since 2010. I've taught at countless local schools, but found that the freedom of teaching completely independently (or, at most, through a referral program like Musika) can't be beat. The more of my *own* students I have, the more I can focus on each one, and the more time I have to plan out their progress. 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: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I start most beginning students (and evaluate more advanced ones) on snare drum or practice pad. This is a central instrument to the percussion family and most techniques used on other percussion instruments are based on sound snare drum technique.  I like the Alfred Drum Method book for students just starting out regardless of age as the ability to read and understand written music is important no matter what stylistic path one follows. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

With each lesson, my main goal is to provide an atmosphere that is engaging and to cater to each student's needs. At the end of the day, I want to see my students not only grow in musicianship and technical skills, but also in their love and appreciation for music. While I primarily teach through method books and other pre-existing teaching material, I individualize my approach to each student because I understand everyone has a different way of learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I began the study of trumpet in 1965 under the instruction of Les Beigle, noted Seattle trumpeter. In 1969, I graduated from Snohomish (WA) High School, where he played solo trumpet in the high school band under the direction of Edward Peterson. I received his Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1980. Instructors included Gary Peacock, Jim Knapp, Butch Nordal, Art Lande, and Julian Priester. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I am patient and creative in my approach to teaching technique, sight-reading, and musicality. I believe that music performance should be an enjoyable and energizing experience for the performer and listener. I assign practicing material based on the goals, interests, and performance level of each student. While learning individual pieces can be fun, I also focus on giving the student the right tools to become a life-long musician in whatever capacity they choose. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Thus, I find it great to set the curriculum aside for part of the lesson, either to allow the student some time to show me what else they've been working on, listening to, watching, thinking about, or perhaps to just jam and have fun. I also expect students to make progress on their own between lessons, though I understand fully from my teaching experience that the amount of progress I can expect is different for each student. Read More