About
I've been a professional drummer for over 30 years and have been playing since the age of 6. After attending The Berklee College of Music in Boston. I spent many years touring the country playing in various bands sharing the stage with groups such as Fuel, Sara McLaughlin, The Dixie Chicks and Richie Havens.
I offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced lessons. I will help you refine your technique and build confidence, while also giving you the creative freedom to pursue an unlimited variety of drumming styles. I also play electric guitar and bass: as you become a more proficient drummer, you can apply the methods and techniques we have studied in a band-like setting.
In my opinion, the drum set is by far the most fun instrument to learn and the best place to start playing music. My method is easy and will help you progress quickly. I customize the lesson plan to fit each student's specific needs. I have been there before: I understand how learning can be both frustrating and extremely rewarding. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience and allow me to help you develop your musical voice on the drums.
One of my favorite aspects of my profession is assembling and directing student bands. I honed this skill as a band director at the Ann Arbor Academy, where I designed a school band program from the ground up. In addition, I have formed a number of independent student bands of all ages and led them through the process of rehearsal, arranging, recording, and performance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I help students refine their technique and build confidence, while giving them the creative freedom to pursue a variety of drumming styles. I also play electric guitar and bass guitar so as they become more proficient drummers, they can apply the methods and techniques we have studied in a band- like setting.
In addition to individual drum lessons, I encourage students to begin playing in one of my student bands. This allows them to apply the skills they have developed toward a real life setting. I guide students through the process of playing in a group, learning songs, and ultimately performing or recording.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
After attending Berklee School of Music and touring with the Kari Newhouse Band (see below), I returned to Michigan to begin my teaching career. Since then, I have maintained a studio with 35-40 students per week of all ages and levels of skill development. My students’ goals have ranged from performance in school marching bands, to rock or jazz performance, or to simply keeping their brains sharp and focused. My students and their families have applauded my encouraging and patient demeanor in the studio. I have taught private lessons at the following locations over the years:
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Home studio, 323 Miles Street, Ypsilanti, MI (1989-2018)
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Oz’ s Music, 1920 Packard Street, Ann Arbor , MI (2011-2018)
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Ann Arbor Music Center, 312 South Ashley Street, Ann Arbor, MI (2001-2011)
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Milford Music, 206 West Highland Road, Milford, MI (1990-2010)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $35 per 1/2 hour lesson; once a week.