About
I'm a Washington, DC based professional drummer and drum instructor. I began taking drum lessons from the eager age of six in 1998 and I haven't put down the sticks since.
Because of my lengthy background with a variety of drum instructors, I was primed to start teaching drum lessons privately at the age of fourteen. I believe in setting a firm foundation with my students, and provide a customized lesson plan to individually cater to each student. Some of these foundations and techniques include rudiments, reading sheet music, timekeeping and “playing to the song”.
I began gaining professional gigging experience during my high school senior year in 2010 with a fusion act, “FLD”. With this band, I had the opportunity to play on live television four times for Washington, DC news networks. “FLD” also had six residency slots at The Strathmore Mansion and opened for Ramsey Lewis at the famous Strathmore Hall. Later, I began touring around the east coast of the United States in 2012 with a rock/reggae band, “Dale and the ZDubs”. In these years, I have had the opportunity to open for acts like Magic!, OAR, Badfish, and The Pietasters in venues like the 9:30 Club, The Norva, The Fillmore Silver Spring, The Brooklyn Bowl, Knitting Factory, and many more.
I have years of experience recording different genres of music in professional studios with expert sound engineers and producers. Some of these studios include: Omega Sound Studios, Cue Studios, More Sound Studios, Oceanic Recording, Kreeger Studio, and Blue Sprocket Sound.
Currently, I am still involved with “Dale and the ZDubs” and I continue to teach private lessons in the Washington, DC area on a weekly basis.
Please contact me directly for any inquiries.
(301) 275-7742
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I belive in teaching a new student fudimentals, technique, limb coordination and rudiments for the first few months of their drum lessons. Once a student becomes developed in the basics, they will catch on to more advanced drumming with ease.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took drum lessons from age six to twenty one from a variety of teachers with varrying backgrounds and teaching styles. Because of this, I have been molded into a well rounded drummer and drum teacher.
I also have prefromed in hundreds of music venues on the East Coast as a gigging musician.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30.00 per half hour lesson and $50.00 per hour lesson at either of my studios.
I will travel to any students' home within 15 miles of the zip code 21793 for an additional fee of $5.00 - $10.00 per lesson
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching drum lessons at the age of fourteen to my fellow classmates during lunch my freshman year of high school. In exchange, I would recieve a free sandwhich or two.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from ages four to seventy five. I've also had experience teaching individuals or small groups.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Every single show I've played and everyone show I've watched one of my students play.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Really look for a teacher who loves teaching the drums just as much as they love playing the drums. I LOVE BOTH
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I love the drums? What kind of music do I enjoy listening to? Who are my favorite drummers? Is there a particular way I retain information the best? Am I bothered by loud noises?