Drum Lessons in Westgate, OH

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am a firm believer in showing rather than telling. I always have at least one type of saxophone with me during lessons if not more. For example, if I have a student who is taking baritone saxophone lessons, then I will have a baritone saxophone with me. My goal is not to play along with the student during these lessons; rather it is simply there if I need to demonstrate a key concept to my student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Depending on the instrument I am instructing on I will take each student on their own path. I typically spend some time getting to know the student, understand their desires and passions for music, and their own personal style. When I understand that I can gauge where the lessons should go. The first few lessons typically cover the basics of the instrument and a "get to know you" setting. Of course I always try to give the student some form of "homework" or things to practice. 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 Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I like to take a global approach to teaching percussion. The things that can be learned by playing on a pad with drumsticks can be transferred to other instruments such as Marimba, Timpani, and Multiple-Percussion. I find it essential to teach students good fundamentals in order for them to progress without having to fix bas habits. I also like to curb my lessons to fit what each student needs. When planning my lessons, I like to assess the student and build their weaknesses up first, while praising them for their strengths and taking them to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have three main books I use; these are my drum 'bibles'. Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed, Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin. I like to teach fundamentals first, providing a strong basis with which to expand your repetoire. Then I like to emphasize song work. The best part of drumming in my opinion is playing with other instruments, and in addition to playing with recorded music, I encourage my students to find other musicians to practice and even perform with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching as a teenager when I was in Ann Arbor's psychedelic rock band SPROTON LAYER. I have taught friends and family off and on for many years. During the economic crash in 2009, I took a course on Teaching to understand different age groups and varied approaches in learning. Since then, I have taught steadily and found it very rewarding. One of the hardest things to get across to the Student is that the single most important thing to do is Play. Read More