Patient & Effective Drum Lessons W Tour/Studio Pro - San Francisco & Worldwide Online
About
I'm a highly experienced pro touring and recording drummer, a university-trained music educator, a former Buddhist Monk, and a certified ACC-level Positive Psychology coach. This unusual mixture of life experience and formal training makes me a unique teacher and mentor.
I teach, because connecting with my students, and watching them overcome challenges as they develop the ability to express themselves musically is a profound experience for us both. I like seeing them become stronger people as they develop more self-confidence and creative courage. Music is my life-long passion. I love learning and have seen repeatedly that cultivating the creative and artistic sensibilities involved in mastering an instrument is an invaluable experience that positively affects all aspects of a student's life.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After assessing a student's skills and goals, I create a personalized lesson plan that takes into account their individual learning style and personality. Students generally start with a combination of stick control exercises using a practice pad in combination with practical exercises for full drum set. The student will be assigned goals for practice time in between lessons - again, realizing that each student will have different capacities.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm an accomplished professional drummer, university-trained music educator, former Buddhist monk, and a Psychology coach with a wide variety of international touring, and studio recording experience in all kinds of drumming styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Acid Jazz, Punk, Rock, Blast Beats, Country, Blues, Americana, and Funk, with a dedicated focus on Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, African, Reggae, and Ska rhythms.
I teach, because connecting with my students, and watching them overcome challenges as they develop the ability to express themselves musically is a profound experience for us both. I like seeing them become stronger people as they develop more self-confidence and creative courage. Music is my life-long passion. I love learning and have seen repeatedly that cultivating the creative and artistic sensibilities involved in mastering an instrument is an invaluable experience that positively affects all aspects of a student's life.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson Rate: $60 hourly - In-person and online.
A limited number of sliding scale rates are available - please feel free to ask.
How did you get started teaching?
Music is my life-long passion. I love learning and have seen repeatedly that cultivating the creative and artistic sensibilities involved in mastering an instrument is an invaluable experience that positively affects all aspects of a student's life.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students range in age anywhere from 8 years old to 80. Professional musicians, new comers, and hobby players looking to improve are more than welcome.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Annually I hold performance concerts where my drum students get to play a song with a live band. One of the most recent concerts featured James Brown tunes, and the audience was packed out with very enthusiastic friends and family who, In true rock concert style, were rocking out in the aisles. That was awesome.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Definitely think about the level of experience the instructor has as a teacher in combination with their experience as a professional musician. An unskillful teacher can make the lesson time an unhelpful drag whereas a well-qualified teacher will connect with the student on a personal and professional level that will excite and inspire them in their love for music as well as skillfully motivate their technical progress.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Lessons are tailored to suit each individual student and can cover anything from stick control methods, pro studio recording techniques, to advanced practices for groove drummers.