Mike's Drum Lessons
About
As a working musician and professional I am passionate about not only playing the drums, but also teaching. Nothing is more exciting then sharing knowledge with a student only to watch them grow as a musician under my guidance. It is an extemelly fulfilling path to go down. I have been playing drums for 21 years and have played in virtually every musical setting imaginable. I am well versed in all drumming styles and have played professionally for the past 7 years all throughout the bay area and the world. Drumming has taken me to Canada, Russia, The Virgin Islands, and all over the U.S. Some notable people I have played with are Kai Eckhardt, David Binney, Ernie Watts, Laurence Hobgood, and Greg Abate. I have my Bachelors of Jazz Perfomance from the California Jazz Conservatory and am extremely qualified to teach. I have a structured teaching plan that includes sight reading, technique, listening, and fundumantels of the drum kit. I try to give all my students all the tools possible so they can be as well rounded of a drummer and musician as possible. Remember, it's not just about being a drummer. It's about being a musician also.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process for new students is to first have them play a little bit for me so I can hear and see where they are at. I also like to have a conversation about what their goals are and what styles of music they prefer. If I am starting with a new student who hasn't ever played the drums I will first start out by explaining some basic fundamentals of how to hold the sticks, hit the drums, and a few basic rhythms to start out. I am extrmely patient with new students and try to get a feel of their learning style before I choose wether to start them reading music or start them learning things by ear.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my Bachelors in Jazz Performance from the California Jazz Conservatory and I have been playing professionally as one of the top call drummers in the Bay Area for the past 7 years. I have been teaching drums privately for the past 7 years also.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard price is 70$ dollars per hour lesson. I am flexible for any day and time of the week.
How did you get started teaching?
I first got started teaching in 2005. I started subbing for my past drum teacher Mike Costa in Tracy CA. Years later I discover that I truly loved teaching and sharing my knowledge with students who were eager to learn. It is a very fulfilling job.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from ages 5 to 65 and from complete beginner to advanced.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I think back to when one of my students worked extremely hard for months on a very challenging piece of music for a recital. We chipped away at it week by week and when the recital came I was in the crowd to witness him nail it perfectly.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is pateint and experienced. Also somebody who is going to not only be a teacher, but a good mentor as well. Look for a teacher who really loves what they do.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think a student whould never hesitate to ask as many questions as possible when pertaining to their needs. The student is paying to be in the lesson and they should be able to ask anything that is on their mind and communicate wether or not they are being challenged enough or being shown what they want to learn