Drum Lessons in Westbrook Park, PA

Instruments: Drums

While being driven and goal oriented, I also understand and respect that each individual learns in their own way and in their own time. Through the years experience has taught me to give the student the appropriate knowledge as well as proper space and comfort to explore and to succeed. I adapt my approach based each individual student. I encourage people to learn in their way without judgment or embarrassment, while providing solid technical information, positive reinforcement and advice. Read More

Instruments: Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As percussion does not consist of one instrument but of hundreds, methodology changes depending on which we are discussing. for anything requiring drum sticks (snare drum, bass drum, timbales, drumset), the fundamentals and rudiments come first. After all, you don't put someone on a motorcycle if they cannot first ride a tricycle. Rudiments are every bit as important on Drumset as they are just playing snare. They give you the skills to move fluidly around the drumset. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

While purist drummers and other musicians consider these rhythm machines as soul-less threats to human drumming, Ive embraced them as tools to expand my expressive and compositional potential, and used sequencers, electronic drums, and other gadgets w/ my drum kit. I even took Oberlins music tech classes in analog and digital circuit design to better modify/repair existing instruments, or customize and design my own sound tools behind and beyond my drumset. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

They then see the fruits of their work, and this gives them encouragement to continue onward. I find using a combination of both tradition music teaching and a more modern, song-oriented approach to teaching helps to keep students motivated, especially the younger students. I have taught students from age 5 to 75, and well over 150 students since I began teaching. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

For all students, I start off with the basic fundamentals. Proper setup, posture, stick position, and technique. I then will hand write some examples and assess the student. From there I usually will use Alfred's Beginning Drum Set Method. Once the student has a grasp on that, I will focus on rudimental drumming and snare rhythms to accompany the drum fill portion of the Alfred's book. From there we move into more advanced books that include jazz drumming and complex rock beats as well as learning popular songs of the student's choice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

I am adaptable to what interests and clicks with you as a musician, so if you want to dive deep into music theory, including music notation, harmony, advanced rhythms, awesome. If you would rather learn by ear and reading basic chord charts and lead sheets, no problem. Regardless, I like to start with establishing good form and a basic understanding of musical terms. From there, well look at the music that inspires you and craft a strategy to increase your comfort and proficiency in that area. Read More

Instruments: Drums

One of the cool things about teaching is that every student is different and learns differently! I am usually able to assess each students level and pace within the first couple lessons. At the end of each lesson I will give them a realistic goal to achieve for the next lesson. Any improvement is improvement and I try and always recognize that. I try to inspire by example as well, showing the student where their practicing and hard work can take them if they keep working at it diligently. Read More