Drum Lessons in The Mission, CA

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

My experience dates back to age 14 at a youth group function. I was inspired by a drummer I seen play on the drum kit and I immediately asked if I can learn. From there I started playing at a church called Bethany Christian Center as a back up drummer and eventually as the main drummer. I learned more about drumming through various teachers and on stage performing. I formed a garage band, played at various gigs and produced an amateur album as a project of mine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught music for over 10 years. I have had great success teaching Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, Guitar and Ukulele. Many of my students have studied with me for long periods, some for over 7 years! I have also studied with many of the best teachers in Music Education today. I have worked with some of the best conductors and musicians in the world and have gained valuable insight from my experiences. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

My lessons are student driven. I typically assign some technique, repertoire, and theory assignments each week. I often try to include a “student challenge” most weeks in order to gauge how much a student is understanding during the lessons. I modify my styles based on what seems most effective for the student. Sometimes a student really needs 5 pieces to work on over a longer stretch of time. Other times, a student can only reasonably work on one piece for the week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have performed countless times at the Cairo Jazz Club, Cairo Opera House, as well as many other cultural centers and theaters all over Egypt. Some of the acts I've been a part of include an electro-acoustic duo with synths and drums, an industrial electronic rock band writing songs in English and Arabic. I was also the lead drummer for the AUCeyat Arab music ensemble for many years. It was there with AUCeyat at the American University in Cairo that I met my now wife who is also a tabla player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Drums

At age 13 years old, I started playing the drums, first with private instructions with some of the greatest drummers in New York City such as Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, and Rufus Bede Jones. I played in High school Band, University of California Jazz ensemble. I toured at many schools. I was on the same teaching staff with Tony Williams, Steve Smith and David Garibaldi. I teach all styles of drumming. Read More