About
Do you really want to learn to play? Play well? Fact... Prerecorded lessons, lessons w/ mediocre teachers, etc., etc., etc... DON'T WORK! "Legit" players come from "legit" instruction/backgrounds. That's the way it has always been and the way it will ALWAYS be!
Set Lessons:
- ALL Levels - From very beginner all the way up to the very good, "advanced".
- ALL Styles - From easy swing to Texas shuffle, basic rock to high power/down & dirty, intricate funk to Ska, Latin patterns on up to the world advanced... You can learn & be taught ALL!
- Instruction in chart reading & composition.
- Studio, solo, SCHOLARSHIP, basic to advanced audition preparation, etc.
Rudiment minded? COMPLETE rudiment training to be able to make ANY drum-line from high school, college and/or drum corps lines in either snare, tenor or bass. PLUS expert "reading" (and even writing) training so you can read fast (for audition) and accurate for exceptional performance in ALL situations.
True symphonic percussionist's? Learn ALL essential symphonic/orchestral percussion instrumentation to enable you to play competently in some of the finest ensembles.
About your instructor:
- Former top level studio player - Countless gigs with, in & around some of the finest groups and musicians found anywhere.
- The President's Own, United States Marine Corps Band (Member)
- Pershing's Own, The U.S. Army Band (Accepted Performer)
- Oklahoma City Philharmonic (Member)
- Oklahoma City Federation of Musicians (Member)
- FULL scholarship student in Music (Percussion) - University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
- 1st Jazz Ensemble - University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (Member)
- "The Pride" - University of Oklahoma Marching Band (Member)
- Phantom Regiment (DCI) - Snare & Tenor lines (Member)
- AND ON...
Again... Do you REALLY want to learn to be an AUTHENTIC performer in the field of percussion? If so, contact me!
I enjoy working with students who have a passion for the instrument. That is, those students who WANT to learn. There's a term in the drum world and that term is "bangers". These are players who play, not particularly very well, and they baiscally just "bang" on the drums. That's fine, if that's what you're looking to do. But MY students are true musicians. I was taught very early on by some excellent mentors that true drum-set players do 2 things... Play perfectly in time AND play "musically". All of the other comes after that. I will teach you how to be an absolute drum-set beast and be able to do some very impressive things on the kit. But, once again, you WILL be a perfect time keeper, know ALL of the required styles and, yep, you WILL do all very "musically". That's how you become a true professional. And... That's what I teach:)
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Arnold A.
Lucas O.
Edwin R.
Kevin F.
Amber S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First.. A brief, half-hour long introductory meeting. I meet the student, the student meets me and we talk over goals. I want to know what the student wants/hopes to accomplish through their pursuit of the instrucment wth me as their instructor. Ifind out their particualr areas of interest, preferred players/musicians & groups and we talk through an instruction plan and map our way forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Former top level studio player - Countless gigs with, in & around some of the finest groups and musicians found anywhere.
- The President's Own, United States Marine Corps Band (Member)
- Pershing's Own, The U.S. Army Band (Accepted Performer)
- Oklahoma City Philharmonic (Member)
- Oklahoma City Federation of Musicians (Member)
- FULL scholarship student in Music (Percussion) - University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
- 1st Jazz Ensemble - University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (Member)
- "The Pride" - University of Oklahoma Marching Band (Member)
- Phantom Regiment (DCI) - Snare & Tenor lines (Member)
- AND ON...
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$45 per half-hour session and $90 for an hour, with a monthly commitment.
How did you get started teaching?
Since becoming an adult, I've always taught with some frequency. If I had to say an actual "starting time" though, I would say I began formal, professional level lessons with students as a scholarship student at Oklahoma University. I taught lessons as a way to help pay my way through school.
What types of students have you worked with?
- ALL Levels - From very beginner all the way up to the very good, "advanced".
- ALL Styles - From easy swing to Texas shuffle, basic rock to high power/down & dirty, intricate funk to Ska, Latin patterns on up to the world advanced... You can learn & be taught ALL!
- Instruction in chart reading & composition.
- Studio, solo, SCHOLARSHIP, basic to advanced audition preparation, etc.
COMPLETE rudiment training to be able to make ANY line from high school, college and/or drum corps lines in either snare, tenor or bass. PLUS expert "reading" (and even writing) training so one can read fast (for audition) and accurate for exceptional performance in ALL situations.
ALL essential symphonic/orchestral percussion instrumentation to enable one to play competently in some of the finest ensembles.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently retired (April 1, 2021) from my official "day job". I am very passionate about teaching and my current status allows me to pursue lesson instruction fully.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't waste time with an instructor who's not qualified to teach you. Anyone can "bang a drum". Think about what you really/are really going to need, if you're deciding to take your music education seriously. When it comes to drums, you need to do FAR more than just "bang a drum". Styles. Technique. TIME keeping (always). Chart reading. Moving properly around the kit. Rudiments. Being SOLID "up top and down below". Becoming a PROPER & legitimate player/performer.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Where do I want my lessons and my education in music to take me? To play in a band? In different types of bands? Do I want to pursue a music scholarship? Do I want to go play in drum corps? Do I want to play in the symphony orchestra? (etc., etc., etc.). "If you have no idea where you're trying to go, you'll never ever get there"...