Lessons

I believe that the first step towards building proficiency in an instrument is having fun with it. I strive to make the lesson space one that promotes positivity, experimentation and excitement - with these as a foundation we can make the hard parts more enjoyable! I take notes on each lesson and have a plan for the next one in mind. However, I always enjoy following a direction that the student is interested in and can cater lessons to personal goals however ambitious or modest. I have experience teaching all ages and skill levels and like to find fun ways to challenge students no matter their experience

Part of the fun of being a drummer is getting to learn a wide array of music and fit into many situations - I like to cover the gamut. We’ll work on rock, pop, funk, jazz, R&B, blues, classical/concert percussion, marching band and much more! Through the exploration of different styles we’ll learn the foundational techniques, rudiments, styles and feels that are integral to every education in drums. 

5 minutes - check in from previous lesson and a warm up

15 minutes - beat/groove workshop - digging into a style and working on various drum beats in that style

10 minutes - technical piece that relates to the beats/grooves we’ve been working on and some exercises to improve technique

5 minutes - game or improvisation break, something to give our brains a rest

20 minutes - working on a song. This can be everything from school concert band to a marching band cadence to a song you heard on the radio or one you’ve always wanted to play along to

5 minutes - review this week and go over practice for the next lesson

I work out of an array of drum books and online exercises and I’m always on the look for new ways to approach the drums. Proficiency in reading music is a top goal for my new students and we start to read music within the first few lessons. I balance working out of a book with listening exercises, playing along to songs and the occasional game or two.