Drum Lessons in Venetian Village, IL

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I try to keep lessons fun even though there's aspects that might be boring. So, I will switch from snare drum to drum set. Learning how to combine rudiments with drum set music such as jazz and rock is very beneficial. When my students are having trouble with a certain area, I do well with taking out that area and making a drill out of it. One of my specialties is that I will play the bass with students for various styles so they can have a hands on experience of the relationship of a rhythm section, phrasing, and timing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

Passion for music and fluency with the language of music are my ultimate goals. When I can get students passionately and freely expressing themselves, without hesitations, inhibitions, or apologies, I feel I have liberated the master artist that dormant within each of us. Everyone has such a powerful, and beautiful voice within: to be able to fearlessly communicate it through the power of music is my goal for all students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

I began teaching in my sophomore year of high school. I was asked to be a student teacher at the summer camps hosted at the School of Rock Chicago. I learned a great deal as I taught rock songs to kids of all ages, prepared them to record original music, and helped direct their performance. I fell in love with the process of engaging a students learning style and figuring out how to relate to each student as an individual. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I make sure all of my students have a solid foundation in technique and rythm with Progressive Step to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed, Stick Contro by George Lawrence Stone, and then try to tailor the lessons to the students specific needs. I use standard method books based on the students goals along with personal exercises and techniques to help supplement the development of the focused area of study the student wishes to pursue. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

In addition to countless public performances in coffee shops, at the beach, full moon jams, and the like, I have been a substitute teacher for my instructor at the old town school of folk music over the years. I’ve also successfully taught individuals on both drum set and djembe on their way to pursuing becoming instructors themselves. With drum set, I have been in numerous bands and have played gigs in various states. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

In my lessons, I like to start by helping the student really fall in love with drumming. You should only take lessons if you love and enjoy what you are doing. Then, I like to lay down a good foundation of rudiments and technique. I believe that by having a good understanding of rudiments and technique, it will greatly help eliminate many future setbacks when learning new/different styles. Without setbacks, the future always looks brighter. Read More