Indigo Drum & Percussion Lessons
About
Hi there! I'm a professional percussionist, drummer, educator, and multimedia artist. I most recently was the drummer for Blue Man Group for their residency shows in Shanghai and the Canary Islands. I also was a performer and drummer in the cast of the NYC Broadway show STOMP. As an educator, I've taught hand percussion, drum set, marching percussion, and orchestral percussion to both children and adults. I’ve taught at the School of Rock, Bosco Tech High School, as well as facilitated drum circles for incarcerated youth via Project Knucklehead. No matter which aspect of percussion or drums you’re interested in, I can help you find your rhythm!
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My approach to teaching is to first assess my students current interests and abilities and then design a personalized curriculum for them which will combine both music theory and notation reading with play by ear skills. The main focus is help students reach their goals while also developing into a well rounded musician. I'm comfortable with students of any age and with any special needs!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've studied theory and performance at Santa Monica College, as well as privately with Pete Korpela (Lion King, Josh Groban), Sean Ritenauer (NY Philharmonic), and Alejandro Carvajal (Afro-Cuban). In the marching percussion world, I received a bronze medal at the 2012 WGI Championships while marching with Orange County Independent
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $50 per hour, $40 per 30min.
How did you get started teaching?
I actually began teaching surf and swim lessons as a day job to supplement my gigs as a musician. Then once I realized I had a passion for teaching I decide to incorporate it in to my music career by teaching at School of Rock and setting up my private studio.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with children ages 5 to 17 in both group and private lesson settings both in person and online. I've worked students with Autism and ADHD. I've also worked with adults in private lesson settings both in person and online.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students was able to advance to the Performance Program after just one semester of privates with me at one of the schools I teach at, and she'll be rocking out to Black Sabbath at their show at the Canyon Club in a week or so!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure your instructor knows your goals and that they are able to help you reach those goals while still giving you a solid foundation in music. Also make sure that are a pleasant teacher and that they're not just in it for money or because they don't have a gig right now!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How far do you want to take your music? Is drumming a hobby? Do you want to be in a band? Be a professional musician? Audition for a music school? Are you not sure yet and just wanna explore? Do you have a specific genre or style of drumming that you're naturally drawn to?