Drum Lessons in Woodridge, IL

Instruments: Drums

For beginners, after we learn the basics of the instrument, I employ a repertoire-based instruction model that has students bringing their favorite songs to me. I use this repertoire to teach important concepts, all while the students learns what they want to learn. As a student transitions into intermediate drumming, I start to introduce some technical exercises that will allow the student to grow into their own style and express themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

One of the most valuable things I learned from Jim Campbell, my main professor/teacher/mentor during my undergraduate career at the University of Kentucky, is that a great teacher does not necessarily need to have already mastered the art form themselves - in fact, as it is said that the best leaders are great followers, I strongly believe that the best teachers are great students, even in a private lesson setting. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Every student is different. Rather than approach each of my students with a pre-existing teaching methods/style, I take the approach of catering to each of one my students specifics needs. I want my students to always feel comfortable and to tell me what they want to learn from me. I also do not believe in pushing things on my students, such as a certain musical style or genre, just because it's something I what them to learn. Read More

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

In my many years of drumming, I have acquired a wide array of first hand experience. I have toured throughout the Midwest as well as Florida. I have participated in, and won, numerous solo competitions, and been an instructor of Summer Band Camps. I studied Jazz Drum Set Performance at North Central College. While there, I learned composition, improvisation, music theory, music history, ear training, and many other useful tools. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If you are a beginner, we start with right and left hand positions. Once you master main principles and choose the technique (fingers/muting/pick/slap/etc) you move on to working on a line. Then we increase the repertoire and develop various techniques. If you already have some background, we concentrate on your interests, such as styles, techniques and genres (both hands, finger and/or pick, slap, alternative tuning, chords, composing and line developing, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. Read More