Drum Lessons in Tracyton, WA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I feel all students have the ability to actualize their creativity through the of study of a musical instrument. My students are given small musical challenges each lesson which will enhance their sense of accomplishment. Lessons are assigned to the student's current level. The lesson material will be internalized after repeated repetitions. To understand and perform a simple lessons leads to a profound knowledge of an aspect of music. I encourage my students to fully experience the joy of a lifetime of making music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning players, I like to start with the books "A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum" and "A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set," both by Mark Wessels. These books do a great job of laying down the fundamentals that all drummers should learn at the outset of their education. Beyond that, what I teach depends largely on any specific path(s) the student may wish to pursue, though of course it is totally fine if the student doesn't immediately know what they would like to study beyond the basics. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

Upon meeting a student for the first time I like to hear from them about where their interests lie, what their goals are, and what they already know about their instrument and music in general.  Lessons are custom-tailored based on these facts.  I like attempting to expand on their interests and introduce them to music they may not be aware of but I think they'll love.  My favorite part is when they light up upon hearing something really cool for the first time! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first half of each of my lessons willaddress the basics of music theory(i.e. rudiments, scales, etc.) and technique. The second half of each lesson is about having fun! We will digdeeper into the musicmy student isinterested in,consideringthe songs from a musician's point of view. In dissecting the song we will learn about phrasing, feel, meter, melody, chord analysis, commonalitiesamong styles and the history behind the music. Read More

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

I have a very laidback, low-pressure approach - if you didn't practice, it's not the end of the world! I think back to my own days of taking lessons and remember how much more I improved in this type of environment, and how much more I loved the process. The difference between these approaches can be night and day, both in results and morale out of the student (which, again, I know from experience as a teacher, but also from my experience as a student). Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Most of my students have never played drums before studying with me. With beginners I believe it's most important to learn a good technique for striking the drums as well as introducing the student to fundamental rhythms and musical practices. Many students want to learn to jam immediately and that's great. I suggest learning some basic reading as well as playing by memory and improvising. It is also fun and beneficial for beginners or advanced players to play drums to recorded music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

I studied music at Washington State Universityformally, then many, many years by ear on my own,along with my many teachers.. I have played with small bands, as well as bands that have had some success,. My Specialty - is teaching students the basics 1st, then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD,almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. Youjust have to know what to listen for.. Read More