Drum Lessons Chicago
About
I teach drum lessons to kids age 10 up to adults. Any skill level is welcome from complete beginner to advanced.
My goal as a teacher is to help you gain a solid foundation of the essentials, technique, rudiments, hand / foot coordination, reading music and also learning by ear.
Having these things as a skill set will enable you to learn any style of music you want and achieve your musical goals.
I have over 35 years of playing and performing experience, including a degree in classical percussion from Wheaton Conservatory of Music.
I have also played in rock bands, both touring and recording as well as jazz and classical settings over the years.
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If the student is interested in studio lessons, the first studio lesson is Free.
First we set up a day and time to meet for a trial lesson at the studio. Then it is up to the student if they want to continue lessons. Some decide immediately that they do and some need to take time and get back to me or they might be trying several different teachers to find the right one.
If they decide they want to continue. Then we pick a day and time each week to meet for lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
High School marching drum line (snare drum), concert band and orchestra 1987 - 1991
Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music Perfomance in Percussion 1991 - 1996
1996 - present
I have played in rock bands for years which includes touring and recording experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Studio lessons at my studio in Chicago
$60 per 60 min.
First lesson at the studio is Free.
In home lessons are $80 per 60 min.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching private lessons full time back in 2003 after I was laid off from my job at the telephone company. Before 2003 I still taught a few students on the side when I wasn't working my full time job.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with kids age 8 years and up, teens and adults from total beginners to advanced players.
Please note I do not teach kids any younger than 8 years old as teaching younger children is a special skill set that some teachers are more equiped for than others.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is patient and will work with you to achieve your goals at a pace that you are comfortable with.
But also know that if you are a beginner, you will need to learn some of the basics of technique, rhythm and coordination, etc... before you can just jump on the drum kit and play your favorite song.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
One of the most important thing to think about before starting drum lessons is, Do you have a place that you can practice each day, and also can you make noise in that place each day. Unless you are starting out just working on the practice pad or have an electronic drum set with head phones, drums are very loud and you need to have or have access to a place you can be loud each day.
Also do you have drums or not. If not, you can definitely get started on a practice pad to learn the basics, technique, reading rhythms, rudiments, sticking patterns etc... But if you want to play on a drum set, you need to have one or have access to one outside of the ones at my studio so you can practice daily.