Drum Lessons in Valley Village, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Recorder

From Newbreed to Chapin to Afro-Cuban Rhythm for drum set, there are many methods that are worth exploring. That being said, sometimes learning songs (covers) can be the best way to learn quickly and it can be a lot of fun. Something I've done many times too is writing precise exercises for students in order to address and target specific needs. Let's say a student has difficulty with his ghost notes on his/her left hand, I can easily come up with fun exercises in order to speed up the progress and get improvements for that student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

The way I teach is about showing the student "the dance" of drums. The exercises and rudiments they practice are the movements in a dance. For example, with Punk drums the movements need to be mastered and played fast so the student will have to practice to get the movements up to speed instead of focusing on the beat. With Pop drums the movements need to be comfortable but precise as the student learns the importance of a metronome and how to relate to it by thinking of it as a member of the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students I access what your musical background is and what may be lacking from your knowledge and playing. I also ask what your particular goals and things you would like to learn are. From there then we will start to tailor the lesson as both us see fit. In general I like a student to be able to play three simple melodies before moving on to chords, rhythms, and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Try to get away from mechanism without joy. Everything has to be close to the music. Exercises to be actually doing them with a rhythm and time. Other than doing things musically, practicing in different times and intentions help a lot for the student to be open to play songs in different ways. Technique and theory are necessary tools. To apply concepts musically they need to do it with musical taste. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I believe that motivation begins with excitement and there is no better way to help a student stick to a practice routine than teaching him or her to play their favorite songs. Of course, a knowledge of music theory is very important, but I always make sure that we don't get bogged down in minutia, and that each student is allowed to proceed at his or her own pace. A practical and usable knowledge of music's fundamentals is employed to get results and keep the student motivated and actively learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements book, as well a basic understanding of music. Once the student has progressed to have a nice grasp of the fundamentals of music, I usually begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I also believe in the importance of listening to as many professional recordings as possible of the instrument the student is taking lessons on. Read More

Instruments: Drums

During the first lesson I always assess where the student is the learning timeline with their instrument. I also find out what the student's goals are with music. Once this has been established we work on a plan of action to acheive those goals. Since the vast majority of drum students are primarily interested in learning drumset skills, we will start working on this from the very first lesson. I tend to break drumset studies into these general groups: skills and technique, independence and coordination, groove studies, and reading. Read More