Drum Lessons in West Adams, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Acoustic Guitar

My methods depend on both the age of the student and the experience. For example, for a beginner student who's a child I have them start working out of one or two beginner books that I like. Once they have a bit of a foundation, I start working on songs with them. Often it's a song of my choosing, but I always am always up for learning a song of my student's choosing (depending on how difficult it is of course). Read More

Instruments: Drums

One thing I love to do is understand the kid I am teaching. Because I love to teach, it makes me happy to see my students enjoy what they learn, and that is why it is important to me to develope good teaching habits and a good sense of direction. I like my students to have fun learning, and feel comfortable growing without limiting themselves. I also try to be as organized as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Ukulele

My teaching style is goal-oriented and centers on positive reinforcement. This should be fun, not a chore. I love creating weekly/monthly/yearly goals so the student has something tangible to work towards. That might be a showcase for parents, a more formal recital, or an audition for a group! Each student brings a unique perspective to the lesson room, which is what makes it so exciting for me. No two students are the same, which mean I can learn something from the student as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've found the most successful drummers can read well and play all styles. For beginning students, I generally introduce 'Syncopation' by Ted Reed along with 'Stick Control,' the PASIC 40 Rudiments, 'Alfred's Drum Method' for drum set, and technical exercises. For more advanced students, I like to use books like Rick Latham's 'Advanced Funk Studies,' David Garibaldi's 'Future Sounds,' 'Portaits in Rhythm' by Anthony Cirone, and 'The Art of Bop Drumming' by John Riley. Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

I've learned to be honest with myself as a teacher. The same methods, books, practice routines don't work for everyone. I believe in understanding the needs, wants goals of each individual. Academic Instinctual should blend together as one. Animal from " The Muppets " has an influence as much as my college professor. I see nothing wrong with rewarding the student for work well done. There's a way to WORK CELEBRATE with humility. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to mix instructional books with opportunities to learn songs outside of the text books appropriate to the student's interests, style, and skill level. For the guitar, I like Terry Carter's Rock Like the Pros, Beginning Class Guitar Method and Intermediate Class Guitar Method. These books have comprehensive practice exercises, including classical and popular music exercises, and great songs of all levels to learn. The Mel Bay and Alfred music method books are also great for guitar or drums. Read More