Drum Lessons in Virginia Park, MI

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am a firm believer in showing rather than telling. I always have at least one type of saxophone with me during lessons if not more. For example, if I have a student who is taking baritone saxophone lessons, then I will have a baritone saxophone with me. My goal is not to play along with the student during these lessons; rather it is simply there if I need to demonstrate a key concept to my student. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize, above all, practice. If a student doesn't practice daily, then they aren't going to improve at their full potentail rate. I would never "push" a student, but I do encourage students to strive for their best. I know when I need to adapt the situation to fit a student's specific needs. If a student isn't getting something, I know exactly how to back up, break it down, and explain it in a way that they will understand. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to give fun, free feeling lessons. While I go into each lesson with a goal in mind, I enjoy going on brief tangents for life lessons, performance tips, or applicable and funny stories. I am known to be very animated and energetic as a teacher and I have learned that students feed off of this energy, allow us to be more productive which results in outcomes that are significantly greater. I like to focus on fundamentals and excellent musical character before working into repertoire and I have had a great deal of success with my students, having used this approach. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginner students of any age, I would normally recommend Alfred's Drum Method Book 1, or Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming as they both cover a great intro to reading rythmic notation, proper grip forms, and snare drum method as they also start to incorporate rudiments. It often surprises people that the only purchases REQUIRED for starting to learn drums is: a practice pad, a book, and a pair of sticks (maybe a music stand). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

I understand that sometimes life gets in the way of our musical pursuits and I am laid back and casual in my teaching approach. I believe that all students can learn, although not every student learns at the same pace. I believe that all students need time and space to grow. Read More

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

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. Read More