Drum Lessons in Symerton, IL

Instruments: Drums

First and foremost, my number one goal is to help my students achieve their goals - always! I believe that in order for anyone to make progress in anything, there must first be a (decently) strong foundation on which to build upon. What that means in terms of an overall application towards the drums (and percussion instruments in general) is that I believe having a strong understanding and foundation in reading music and general hand/feet technique (i.e. how to hold the sticks) should be developed in order to, for example, properly facilitate around the drum kit, regardless of genre and/or style. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginners, I typically start with Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone, and The Drumset Musician by Rod Morganstein. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I sculpt the lesson plan depending on the style(s) the student would like to learn, from Rock and Funk to Jazz, Latin and more. For intermediate to advanced students, I try to figure out what goals the student would like to achieve, and then plan a lesson that will help the student achieve those goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

One of the best things to experience is watching someone progress. I began teaching because I wanted to help others and share my musical abilities. During lessons one of my main focuses is to promote encouragement. After encouragement is passion, because with passion come everything else. When you have passion and love what you’re playing you have fun. And when you have fun you stick to it. I help students find passion by catering to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Given my experience of teaching for over 30 years, with the majority of my students I am able to develop a specific lesson plan that I stay close to in order to achieve the best possible results within a given desired time frame. At the same time, I think in flexible ways and adjust the lesson plans according to each student’s progress and needs. In other words, I maintain balance between following a plan and adjusting it as needed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use many ideas from various sources to combine with my instruction methods; All with a gradient level in mind rising to a higher plateau of musical knowledge and understanding. I combine theory with practical applications of each concept being taught. Music theory, practical exercises, along with ear training appropriate to the level or needs of a student. I give students songs to learn that emphasizes concepts being taught.They have an option to select their own songs, if it's not outside their level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Teaching music and percussion lies at the core of my career path. I have extensive experience in building curriculum and instructing in drum set, world/classical percussion, mallet percussion, music theory, and music history. My teaching career began in high school in my hometown of Sacramento, California when students from inside and outside of my high school band program asked me for lessons. This was a turning point in my life as I fell in love with teaching. Read More