Drum Lessons in Westerwood, NC

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My philosophy is that everyone benefits from music instruction, especially percussion. No matter whether one's goal is to be a professional musician, or one simply wants to try something new, almost everyone enjoys the act of music-making! Having said that, every individual is unique, and I work with each person to determine what works best for his or her desires and abilities. While one student may dive right into rudiments and reading, another may benefit best from relaxed, organic, and gradual activities that lead to a greater comfort with the learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

Teaching must be a two way street between the instructor and the student. There must be an understanding of the relationship and a willingness on both ends to take everything that they can out of the experience. I believe once this is done, a relationship can start to form between the two which will naturally help in the learning progress. For adults especially, constructive criticism is just as important as the praise when you do a good job. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have had many experiences in my pursuit of Music throughout the Eastern Seaboard. I have had professional singing experiences as well in a few varied genres, include Gospel, Spiritual and Classical musics. My professional training in Education has afforded me the luxury of teaching in a variety of educational settings ranging from Pre-School to Adult Continuing Education. To culminate my work experiences in Therapeutic Music as both a Recreation Specialist and Music Therapist, I completed one year of study at New York University and have plans to one day finish a program I started there. I have also maintained my skill at performance on Woodwinds and Classical guitar, which I enjoy especially having students to prepare for. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

From there, I began teaching as the percussion instructor at the same school during the beginning of my freshman year of college, lasting for the next 7 years after that. I'd also like to add that one of my former students from the same school is now the percussion instructor there. During my 7-year tenure there, I also taught as percussion instructor at many other high schools, middle schools and even a music conservatory, which was definitely the highlight of my teaching career so far. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I am a strong believer that students should learn how to read music, they should learn proper technique, and that they should maintain a regular practice schedule. Lessons are geared towards the individual student's abilities and interests. I draw from a wide variety of teaching resources and authors, such as Joel Rothman, Jim Chapin, Rick Latham, Frank Briggs, Carmine Appice, George Stone, Charlie Wilcoxen, David Garibaldi, Rick Dior, Les DeMerle. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I set goals for my students to achieve and once the basics have been mastered I open it up for them to decide. IF they want to be a performer I will work with them toward being a great performer. If they want to be a better technical player we will work on mastering techniques and continually challenging them, if they want to write their own parts we will work that way. Read More