The Chicago Drum School Chicago, IL. 1971-1975, The Bobby Christian School of Music and Percussion Chicago, IL. 1976-1980
Overview:
Hello! Here’s a little background information about myself. I have been a Professional DrumSet Performer for 50 years (since age 15) and a Professional DrumSet Instructor for 45 years. I started playing drums at the very young age of 5! I studied at The Chicago Drum School in downtown Chicago under Ernie Gadzos and Marshall Thompson for many years which I then followed up my studies with the world famous percussionist Bobby Christian. At age 15 I was accepted into the Chicago Federation Of Musicians Union and began to work locally as a Professional Drummer in all types of musical situations through the Musicians Union. After completing my studies I continued to perform both locally and on the road. Some of the venues that I have performed at were The Newport in Miami Beach, The Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Caesar’s Hotel in New Jersey, The Bop Shop in Chicago, Joe’s Be-Bop Cafe on Navy Pier in Chicago, The Green Mill in Chicago, Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville, IL., Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, IL. and numerous Festivals and Concerts in Chicago and the surrounding Midwest. As a DrumSet Instructor I have taught on location at various instruction studios in the Chicago area, virtual online instruction and instruction in student homes. After 50 years of performing and after 45 years of teaching I am happy to say that I am still at it and enjoying every minute of it!!
EXPERIENCE
My first teaching job was in 1977 at Glendale Music Center in Glendale Heights, IL. I taught there for a year and when my performance schedule became too busy I decided to leave and start to teach privately for myself so I would have a more flexible teaching schedule. Since then I have continued to teach privately in various instruction studios, virtual online instruction and instruction in student homes for 45 years and I am proud to say that with all my experience as a performer and instructor I can teach all ages, all levels and all styles. I also contributed to the educational world of drumming with articles published in the Jazz Drummer’s Workshop section of Modern Drummer Magazine on the Stick-Shot technique and on the style and analysis of the famous jazz drummer Shelly Manne.
METHODS USED
I believe in teaching solid fundamentals, proper technique and good music sight reading skills. Some of the methods and method books I use are as follows: The Moeller Technique, The Gladstone Technique, The Speed Stroke (Finger Control), Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1, Alfred’s Beginner Drumset Method, Stick Control, Accents and Rebounds, Master Studies, Charley Wilcoxon Rudimental Solos, Syncopation, Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Rudimental Jazz, The Art of Bop Drumming, Bop and Beyond, The New Breed, 1001 Drum Grooves, Realistic Rock, Mini-Monster Book of Rock Drumming, Joe Franco’s Double Bass Drumming, Mike Clark’s Funk Drumming, The Total Blues Drummer and The Art of Latin Drumming for the Drumset. In addition I like to teach my own exercise studies and technique ideas that I’ve developed from my studies and 50 years of performing.
LESSON STYLE
I like to teach in a relaxed and fun style. I believe if a student enjoys the lessons then the hard work that it takes to learn music won’t seem like such a chore. At the beginning I access the student and then discuss with the student and or the parents which direction they want to go with the lessons. One direction is a generalized lesson plan learning all styles of drumming and music. Another direction may be a more focused lesson plan learning a certain style or certain technique. In any event I like to accommodate the student but also give the student the opportunity to be exposed to other directions they can go if they desire.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Post A Review
Verification
Background check cleared
Social security verified
Name verified
Phone verified
Email verified
Address verified
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.
Ready to Get Started? Take a Risk Free Trial Lesson!