Drum Lessons in Waterford, MI

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

My name is Gary and teaching and performing music is my life! I have a wonderful family that loans me out for my music. My wife's name is Sandy and she works for a vet and I have three great children. 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: Drums

I am highly practical in my lesson time with students. Most people want to learn an instrument in hopes of performing in front of people someday or to have the knowledge of that instrument in their arsenal for other musical endeavors. My goal is to make their goals a reality. One thing that was really instilled into me by my teacher was "raising your ceiling". Just because the music your playing is "easy" doesn't mean that should be the ONLY music your playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching music for more than 10 years. While living in New York City I taught group ensemble classes for students ages 10-16 which played everything from jazz standards to pop, rock, hip-hop and blues. I’ve taught private lessons in drums, guitar and piano for Third Street Music Settlement, the country’s oldest community music school. My students have went on to participate in Berklee School of Music and Jazz at Lincoln Center educational programs. Read More

Instruments: Drums

When starting with a beginner student, I typically start by asking general questions about their interests and the music genres they enjoy. Then, we move on to the basics of maintaining proper form, understanding rhythm, and practicing simple exercises to ensure they start off with the right foundation. After that, we focus on learning the first few basic beats and ensuring they have a good understanding of how they are played. 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: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I have had an eclectic teaching career so far. I have held teaching positions at Linden High School, Linden Middle School, Carman Ainsworth High School, Ida High School, Summit Academy High School, Clio High School, Flushing High School, South Lyon High School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Middle School, Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy High School, and Impact Percussion. In addition to these school positions, I am also taught privates lessons for several years. Read More