About
I am the percussion professor at Cal State San Bernardino. I have 30 years of professional percussion performing and teaching experience, including my own study with world renowned experts on marimba, drum set, congas, and orchestral percussion.
Highlights
Reviews
Michael R.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Docotor Musical Arts Degree, University of Oklahoma
- Masters of Music, Northwestern University
- Bachelors of Music, Central Michigan University
- My teachers: Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck Quartet), Bob Hohner (Bob Hohner Percussion Ensemble), Richard Gipson (University of Oklahoma), Henry Okstel (University of North Texas), Angel Figueroa (Latin percussionist for Sting, Herbie Hancock)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 for 30 minutes
$35 for 45 minutes
$45 for 60 minutes
Lower rates are possible for middle and high school students.
How did you get started teaching?
I started studying percusssion in middle school band at age 11. In high school, I had a remarkable private teacher (Robert Hohner) and band director (Don Flickinger) who inspired me to pursue a career in music. Later on, I discovered I enjoyed teaching percussion as much as I enjoyed performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught and enjoy teaching all ages from middle school to senior citizen, and I teach both individual and group lessons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who is an active performer and continues to study new percussion instruments and musical styles.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Percussion playing is expensive because instruments and playing implements cost money. It's also quite time intensive to study multiple instruments at once. You have to practice!
What musical goals do you have, both short- and long-term?
What resources can you commit to purusing your study, not just in terms of money but also time?