About
As the author of the True Basics of Drumming instructional videos and a practitioner of award-winning teaching methods, I have been fortunate to receive recognition from some of the largest music companies in the industry, including Vic Firth Drumsticks.
One of the key aspects of my teaching approach is providing step-by-step guidance for each lesson and ensuring 24-hour access to support via phone, text or video. With my method, students are able to learn at a fast pace and can expect to master a song within five to six weeks, with minimal practice time.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
tracy B.
Jadila U.
Guadalupe E.
TOM D.
TOM D.
Mark A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If you are a beginner, we first learn how to hold drumsticks correctly, basic note reading, some simple exercises to develop coordination and learning drum beats to enable you to learn a song within your first four to five lessons.
For intermediate to advanced students, we start with a drum analysis tool to help identify your #1 progress killer. Once corrected, these moves can cut months and sometimes even years of drum practice and give a huge jump in your drum playing skills overnight.
If you are looking to learn specific styles, I have special classes which focus on Rock: The Attitude of Rock Drumming; Funk: The Approach to Funk Drumming; Jazz: The Swing Feel of Jazz and Left-Hand Comping; Shuffles of all styles: Texas Style, Contemporary and Rock Shuffles, etc.
I also offer other specialized classes including double-bass drumming, drum soloing, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion and Odd Timing.
In addition to the above, I specialize in preparing students for middle and high school band auditions while coaching them before, during and after the season.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Attended Music Institute of Technology in Hollywood (MIT) Studied with Chuck Silverman, Terry Bozzio and Paul Cush to name a few.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I teach 30 minute, 45 minute and 60 minute classes. I also offer FaceTime, Zoom &Marco Polo for online lessons.
Four lesson per month one lesson per week:
4-30 minute lessons per month $130
4-45 minute lessons per month $150
4-60 minute lessons per month $170
2-30 minute lessons per month $75
2-45 minute lessons per month $85
2-60 minute per month $95
How did you get started teaching?
I'm endorsed by Pearl drums, Paiste cymbals and Vic Firth drumstick and was asked if I was interested in being an educator for their company. I started performing drum clinics and was typically asked by drummers of all ages, do I teach drums privately.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds of students from 5 years to 80 years old. I currently have a student who just want to play their favorite song on the drums.
Join a band or jam with friends
Improve your beats and fills
Learn new styles of music on the drums
Make money as a drummer
Play drums at school
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Watching one of my students who is 6 years old perform a Jimi Hendrix song at his school.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask someone who has taken lessons with that teacher and see what they liked about the teacher. Is the teacher sincere and personal about their lesson and is the teacher available 24/7 with their time for the student. How long have they been teaching and what kind of classes does the teacher offer, is the teacher very knowledgeable in most aspects of drumming. How long has teacher been teaching/ playing, what kind of education if any and who have they studied with?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Make sure the student knows what they want to learn, write down three things they would like to improve on and or learn.