Drum Lessons in Watts, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

I'm a firm believer in self motivation. Having a good teacher is important but having a great student is paramount. I love to develop concepts that work for the individual student whom I'm relaying ideas to. Whether it is theory or academia or the idea of honest expression, all these facets of teaching have always been inspiring to me. I can mock up many different playing situations to accommodate any level of player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

My go-to books for Drummers, beginners and advanced are 1. Advanced technique for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin and 2. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. No matter what you listen to, the material in these books can be applied to any style. Another tip is to learn what influenced your favorite players. I Guarantee every one of your favorite drummers has studied this book. It contains beginner techniques through the most prominent advanced skills. Read More

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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with fundamentals: rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is generally laid back. I believe that a student will only work as hard as they want to, and I have little control over that. I focus more on finding out what will make the student want to work hard, rather than forcing them to study something that does not interest them. It's all about getting the student to have a positive musical experience. That being said, I do my best to hold my students accountable, but try to do so in an encouraging way vs. a nagging and controlling way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I am a music teacher who loves music! I have studied music at California State University Dominguez Hills and Long Beach City College where I have completed Audio Engineering, Music Theory, History, Literature courses as well as played in numerous ensumbles. I have played as a part of everything from jazz orchestras to punk rock bands. I know how to read music as well as play it loud! My love of music is my number one guide in my teaching style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching method is relatively simple, but is somewhat backwards from how most people teach music. I start with teaching the student a song, at his/her level, by listening to the record and by my example. After that I like to go back and give written out exercises and notes on what we did in the song. Often times a student will get a technical exercises and begin to get frustrated with it because they can't see why they're learning it. Read More