Drum Lessons in Wilton Center, IL

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginners, I typically start with Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone, and The Drumset Musician by Rod Morganstein. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I sculpt the lesson plan depending on the style(s) the student would like to learn, from Rock and Funk to Jazz, Latin and more. For intermediate to advanced students, I try to figure out what goals the student would like to achieve, and then plan a lesson that will help the student achieve those goals. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students, I generally start with basic fundamentals and technique exercise to create a foundation to build off of. Because the drum set is such a physical instrument, we need to make sure that all motions used to play are correct, and not detrimental to both the students playing and growth, but also to prevent injuries due to muscle stress and fatigue. More advanced students' lessons are very individualized. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

For every instrument I teach, I always focus on tone primarily. To have whatever instrument the student is learning, be it drumset, piano, or voice, it is of utmost importance to me to have them re-sounding the whole body of the instrument with confidence, and with passion. When we start from this place, I then work on rudiments/scales, and aim to endow students with basic vocabulary, so that they may become fluent on their instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I begin by teaching them the C major scale and many nursery rhyme songs that can be played at that key. I then elevate to simple blues and gospel songs in the Key of C for example, the C major blues. I will then teach C minor and the introductory song, Blue Bossa to acclimate students to the sound of C minor. Beginner students that seek to learn classical music will be introduced to Notation music theory from rhythm dictation, reading the grand staff and the introductory piece, Minuet in G, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

It is very rewarding to see my students develop a passion for music and excel at their craft. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, i can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

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

Onside of this, I've taught percussion ensembles to local middle schools such as Mokena and Manhattan Jr. High. Additionally, I've taught 8 marching band ensembles and am currently writing music for some of those. Nowadays, I'm a student at NIU in my last year of study and look forward to rebuilding a studio of young professional musicians here in Dekalb. -Chicago Bulls NBA active drummer for 6 years -Performed at Lollapalooza this last summer with electronic artist Ekoli -Marched 3 years in Phantom Regiment Drum Corp. on snare and was drum captain in 2015 -Marched 1 year in Colts Drum Corp. on snare -Performed 5 year in WGI group Cavaliers Indoor Percussion -Played at PASIC in Indy this past winter with NIU Percussion studio -4 years drumming improv. for NIU dance classes -Played tenors at NIU in the marching band -Played in jazz combos at NIU Teaching: -Taught Shadow Drum Corp. 2 years -I've been teaching private lessons for 10 years now -Taught Middle School Percussion Ensemble -Battery Caption head at LWMB and Wheaton Warrenville south as well as other places over the years such as Lake Park, Plainfield -Taught in Music Matters music shop Let me know if you'd like to know more and I hope you consider my expertise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More