Drum Lessons in Thousand Oaks, CA

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching experience dates back to when I was a student at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. While pursuing my own education I also had five private drum students ranging from the ages of 7-15. I am fortunate enough to have learned a great deal about teaching all different ages from my father, who has been a private guitar teacher for over 35 years. During my time at Berklee College of Music, I taught group clinics and while our tour with the Karen Lovely Band I mentored mentally handicapped music students in the Netherlands with a group called United By Music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

For percussion, I have performed with many star attractions like Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and Joni Mitchell, to name a few. Read More

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

I try to adapt my teaching style to however I see the student (or peer) is most effective in learning. Some people are more chart based, and like the bars written out in time so they can follow it in a more technical manner. Some have a hard time reading music, so they go off of feel. This is more of an intuitive approach to learning. Both are fine for me, but depending on how the student is, one may be better than the other. Read More

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

When I see a smile on someone's face in the presence of a musical accomplishment, the spiritual reward for that service is something I live for! To be able to help a student attain their goals requires a flexible teaching style, that can cater to every type of person. Positive affirmations are a key ingredient to helping a student feel good about they mile stones, but remaining realistic for the student at the same time allows them to make progress at their own pace, and feel good about it nonetheless. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Here's how many drum lessons I've taught: An average of 15 lessons per week times 50 weeks since 1993. 15 x 50 is 750 per year. 25 years of 750 lessons is 18,750, and I have fine-tuned my lesson plans all along the way. Between 2013-2018 I taught a minimum of 30 lessons weekly and had to employee an assistant (an advanced student) to teach my beginners. My students often see me for years. I have taught at Berklee College Of Music's Summer Percussion Festival, School Of Rock, IKnow Music, Join The Band, Santa Monica Music Center, Modern Music, Pop/Rock Academy, Pedrini School Of Music, Walpole Music, and Boston Music Co. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion

I try to see what skills the beginning learner may already have. Then I try to attach rudimentary skills to the players natural skill set. This is my basic approach. I teach both ear training and formal theory. I also examine popular music with students to keep techniques current with current trends in music. When teaching DAW production technique, I focus on tuning and refining a students, "production" ear or to instantly be able to refine a mix of music to a professional level. Read More