About
"The best Latin percussion music academy in the United States..."
Joe Taglieri, Los Angeles Times Magazine
Latin music has a passionate history and a powerful dance narrative. It really is as much fun for us to teach it as it will be for you to learn it!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We recommend taking a few private lessons prior to enrolling in our classes to get familiar with hand drumming basics and to learn the articulations & mechanics of each instrument. Once you're comfortable, our classes are bi-weekly (Saturdays & Sundays 10a-12p) and your learning will be accelerated once you find your groove.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The Paws Music Academy was established in 1999 and hires only the best and most respected musicians in the Latin music community. Academy director Angel Luís Figueroa was an Assistant Professor at USC's Thornton School of Music's Jazz Dept. for 20 years (from 1990-2010). He is a world class musician who has played with Mongo Santamaria, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Brian McKnight, Marc Anthony, Andy Garcia, Maxwell, Kenny Loggins, Tito Allen, Celia Cruz, Branford Marsalis, Pointer Sisters, War, The Temptations, Cheryl Crowe and many others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching at the age of 15 in Humboldt Park, Chicago after touring with Mongo Santamaria from age 12-14. I developed my teaching style over the years by giving lecture demonstrations and concerts at colleges and universities across the USA, Europe and the South Pacific. I retired from USC to open Paws Music Academy in Mid City Los Angeles, CA.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a professor at USC for 20 years, I have had the opportunity to teach every type of student. At the corporate level, I was commissioned to teach Latin music and percussion as a mind and body enhancing tool. I have also taught Latin percussion as a type of music therapy to medical doctors and lawyers to lower their stress.
Currently, I teach elementary school and high school levels at New Roads School in Santa Monica, CA.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Paws Music Academy has a goal oriented learning method for each student apprentice that is accepted in our program. I book my apprentice students at shows, concerts and college lecture/demos...and they even get paid!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
New students looking for teachers should research the portential instructor's knowledge base, as well as, who was his/her teacher/master. My master was Mongo Santamaria when i was young and later Lázaro Galarraga after I was 27 years old.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about buying their own instruments. Not having access to an instrument may very well be the biggest impairment to learning.