About
I've been playing drums for the last 19 years and teaching for the last 10. I play and teach a variety of styles including Rock & Roll, Jazz, Blues, Swing, and Progressive Rock. I've taught all ages and skill levels. For beginners, I focus on helping the student develop the basic coordination to play simple patterns and the basics of keeping time and navigating songs. For intermediate students, the focus is on improving musical vocabulary and technique so the student can play a wider variety of music more comfortably. For advanced students, the focus is on developing personal expression on the instrument through ad-libbed, spontaneous playing along to music.
I enjoy teaching drums because I love the instrument, I love teaching, and I love to see students improve. I took lessons myself for around 7 years, and there is nothing that can replace receiving personalized feedback and direction on what needs to be worked on. I am fascinated with how differently everyone approaches the instrument, and I am inspired by the students who develop the same level of passion for the instrument that I have.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
Steve C.
Cameron S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step is always to evaluate the student's current knowledge and skill level. Next, I ask about the student's musical taste to understand what is going to keep them interested and motivated. Kids aren't always able to answer musical taste questions, so in that case I figure out what interests them based on how they take to the things they learn. For intermediate to advanced students, I prefer to develop lesson plans around answering specific questions they have because it will always result in more productive lessons than a curriculum I provide them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received private lessons myself for 7 years or so to start off my personal musical journey. I've played for a number of church bands through the years and currently play for the Voices of Jazz which is a 17-piece Big Band based in Dunedin. My teaching training has been on-the-job, and I've learned a lot about people and how they learn in the 10 years that I've been teaching.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $25 for a half hour session or $48 for an hour session. Tuition is due before the scheduled lesson begins. You can get a discounted rate of $23 for a half hour and $44 for an hour by paying for a whole month in advance.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when my own teacher left the music school he was teaching at. I took over for him and taught at that school for a couple of years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with kids as young as about 10 and adults as old as in their mid-fifties.