About
I am a professional teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. I have had extensive training in all aspects of drumming, including rudimental style, orchestral style, drumset, theater, recording, and ethnic percussion. I assess the goals of each student I take on, and create an individual lesson plan to meet your goals.
Teaching music has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Watching students go from learning how to hold their sticks to becoming professionals themselves is an incredible honor for me. Music and drumming have taken me around the world and provided countless experiences I would never have encountered otherwise. I believe strongly in giving back that experience to the next generation, and sharing my knowledge in any way that will enrich their lives.
Highlights
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Madison N.
Leigh M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I begin working with a new student, I assess their skill level and determine their goals. No matter what direction a student is going in, I focus on fostering a good technique, rudiments, and music reading. From there we can branch into different genres and playing by ear, but I always start with a solid musical foundation first
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a B.A. in Music Composition from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. I have over 28 years of professional performing experience, including drum corps, musical theater, and professional bands. I also have over 20 years of professional teaching experience, working with many middle and high school bands, orcherstras and marching bands, as well as teaching, composing, and judging for DCI, DCA and WGI.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $20 per half hour lesson and $36 per hour. There are no hidden fees or contracts, and a student may stop taking lessons at any time.
How did you get started teaching?
I started student teaching in 1996 while I was still in college.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with literally thousands of students over the last 16 years, from 3 year olds playing rhythm sticks to 72 year olds wanting to learn how to play jazz. My main circle of students have been middle to high school aged.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When hiring a teacher, make sure you are hiring a professional musician. Professional meaning trained, degree-holding, and working as a music teacher. The job of a teacher is to improve your technique, assign exercises and etudes relevant and appropriate to the student, and most importantly, be able to tell a student what they may be performing incorrectly, how to become aware of it, and how to correct it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
As a beginner, when talking to a teacher, find out what type of background they have in music. If you're interested in metal drumming, a symphonic drummer might not be the best choice for you, and vice versa. As an intermediate or advanced drummer, you need to study with professionals that understand your goals and needs, and have the ability and experience to get you there. If you dream of being in a DCI drum corps, study with a person that has performed in DCI on your instrument. If you dream of being a touring drummer, study or mentor with a teacher that has had that experience. If you want to be a studio drummer, make sure your teacher has worked in the field and has insights and advice to give you on your path.