Pond Percussion
About
I love being able to inspire and teach others through sharing my love and understanding for drums and music! Music does so much to make our daily lives better and I have been successful showing others how to develop and understand music better through fudimentals, technique, listening, and way of thinking behind a set of drums.
I have been musician all my life starting in school and in private lessons, leading to playing live music and teaching for the last 10+ years. I have done everything from scholastic competitions on snare drum, timpani, and percussion; to sideman for rock, blues, country, punk, and jazz bands to being a successful band leader in the Midwest. Since then, I started my collegiate studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a Jazz Studies major to begin another chapter in my life as a musician.
To check out my playing, click any of the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNYnJeiY944kFMNdIKmt7Q
https://www.instagram.com/ponddrums12/
Playing and teaching music never feels like a job, no matter how challenging! Music feeds my soul and helps me spread a message of love and compassion to others.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first gauge where a player is coming as far as interests, abilities, and goals. Once I've talked one-on-one with the student, I watch them play to see which direction to go first, whether that be technique-oriented, fundimental aspects, or listening aspects.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a current student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a Jazz Studies major. I have also taught privately for 7+ years with 10+ years of live music experience as a sideman and bandleader for multiple genres.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I teach either 30-minute lessons or 60-minute lessons.
30-minute lessons are $25
60-minute lessons are $40
How did you get started teaching?
I strated teaching under the tutelage of Loyd Warden who owns Percussion Logic in Columbia, MO. Loyd studyed with the likes of Joe Porcaro, Alan Dawson, John Riley, Gary Chester, and graduated with a masters in music from the University of Missouri
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and genders. Students in elementary school to older students working towards the next level in their playing.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When I left Columbia, MO to go back to college, it warmed my heart to see the gratitude that my students had towards me for our time together. I remember seeing kids that looked like they had little potential to move forward, but with teamwork and dedication, I was able to help those students go on to play local gigs and score the highest ratings in their scholastic competitions! It's the ultimate testiment of giving back.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who challenges you but retains the aspect of enjoyment in the instrument. Its always necessary to practice stuff you can't do, but once drums feels only like a job, enthusiasm is lost and I want to retain enjoyment in my playing.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
There is hardly any bad questions, but one question that isn't the most appropriate is: "How long will I have to take lessons?"
This question is bit loaded and vague. No matter what instrument you play of field you work in, you have to spend countless hours at your craft and no one knows how long that will actually be. As for music, we never stop growing, so the lessons never end. So if you feel compelled to ask that question, just think about how much effort YOU are willing to put in.