Piano Lessons in Roanoke, VA

Jerry M

Instruments: Drums

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I was 13 years old. It was spontaneous through my performances and having my first record deal with Temple Records at the age of 16. The decision was made through playing in successful rock and Jazz and making good money.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practicing perfectly makes perfect. Consistent repetition. Playing with music. Practicing the 40 international rudiments. Practicing reading drum music. Practicing coordination and independence. To be patient with yourself. Practicing slowly so that you can develop speed later on.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My brother was a trumpet player for Ray Charles and we played in a lot of big bands together. We practiced a lot together. He was an inspiration for me to pick up the drums. We went to the same school of music in New York city.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece of music is Spain by Chick Corea. Another dream piece of music for me is My Favorite Things by Richard Rodger etc in 3/4.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite styles are fusion, jazz, Cuban, Brazillian R&B, funk . I like these styles because they are very creative, exciting and very enjoying spiritual. They make me feel free.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
My practice looks like: Warm up with drum rudiments. Sight reading drum music. Practicing all different styles. Practicing with CDs. Practicing odd time signatures. Practicing with time keeping.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, they have. One of my students won the Jazz award at his high school. Some of my students won drumming contests. They were able to successfully pass auditions to Berklee School of Music in Boston

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
to be extremely versatile at all drumming styles is the hardest thing. One should not be in a box. To be able to sight see the most intricate drum music and to have a perfect time keeping on the drum set.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
yes. Here are some important books: a) Louis Bellson's Snare drum book; b) Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole Sensational Srum Book; c) Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer; d) Ultimate encyclopedia for the drum set; e) George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
The teacher inspired by making it a fun and enjoyable experience and showing how happy playing a musical instrument makes you feel. By watching the teacher perform music, I was inspired.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
i choose drums because of the rhythm of the drum and because the drums are the heartbeat of a musical band and the joy of keeping the rhythm and the time of the band.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I played drums for the Beach Boy, Jorge Santana, Sammy Davis Jr., Leslie West, Univ. of California Jazz Ensemble. Shared billing with the band Chicago; Shared billing at the Philadelphia Convention Hall for Steppenwolf.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If he has the desire and is enthusiatic and excited about learning, then he/she can start taking lessons. The student should enjoys and the student seems to be tapping to music. The child should be asking the parents to buy drum sticks and drums.

When will I start to see results?
You will see results on the first lesson and after every lesson thereafter, and when you hear them keeping good time and good beat and being able to read and play music.

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