Music Lessons in Compton, CA

Instruments: Conga Music Djembe

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My earliest teachers, Rob Heskett and Ted Fulte, were the reason I chose music as a profession. They didn’t just teach me how to play, they made me believe in myself. Their passion for music and dedication to their students had a huge impact on me, and I carry that same philosophy into my own teaching. Because of them, I understand how powerful a great teacher can be. It’s not just about showing students how to play a beat or read a chart—it’s about inspiring confidence, encouraging growth, and helping them realize their full potential. That’s exactly what I aim to do for every student I teach.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I always tell my students that consistency is key when it comes to practicing. It’s far better to practice for a short amount of time every day than to cram in an hour-long session once a week. Practicing this way is much like studying for a test—if you try to learn everything in one long session, you won’t retain nearly as much as you would by spreading it out over time. Daily practice, even if it’s just 10–20 minutes, helps build muscle memory, improve coordination, and reinforce concepts in a way that sticks. It keeps your hands and feet moving, your mind engaged, and your progress steady. When you practice every day, you’re constantly reinforcing what you’ve learned, making it easier to build on your skills instead of feeling like you’re starting over every time you sit down at the kit. Drumming is all about repetition and control, and regular, focused practice, even in small doses, will lead to far better results than a single long session once a week. The key is quality over quantity, staying consistent, and making sure you’re always working on something with purpose.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I can usually tell if a child is ready to start drum lessons if they know their right from their left, although if they don’t, I can certainly help with that too! Having a basic understanding of left and right is important for coordinating hands and feet on the drum set. Additionally, some basic math skills, like simple counting, go a long way in helping a young student grasp rhythm and timing. One of the great things about learning music is that it naturally strengthens math skills. Counting beats, subdividing rhythms, and understanding time signatures all reinforce concepts like fractions and pattern recognition. Many studies have shown a strong connection between music education and improved math abilities, and I see it firsthand with my students. Drumming isn’t just about playing beats, it’s about developing a strong sense of timing, problem-solving, and coordination, all of which have benefits beyond music.

When will I start to see results?
One of the most rewarding things about learning drums is that students will see results after the very first lesson. Whether it’s playing their first basic beat, understanding how to hold the sticks properly, or learning a simple rhythm, they’ll walk away with something tangible they can build on. I focus on making sure every lesson is productive and enjoyable, so students leave feeling accomplished and excited to keep playing. Drumming is all about progress, and even small victories, like locking into a groove for the first time, can be incredibly motivating. With consistent practice and the right approach, students will continue to see steady improvement, keeping them engaged and eager to learn more.

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