About
I generally have more experience playing and teaching since I've been a pro all my life and have taught hundreds of students. I made it a point to play all kinds of music and study with the best.
I love teaching.
Specialties
Able to read music
Musical styles
Years experience
Types of drums
Lesson length
Student's age
Student have drums
Photos and videos
Reviews
Kathy W.
Ankit J.
Ankit J.
Thomas d.
Thomas d.
Venkatesh K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to find out what it is that they want and start there all the while giving them what they need as I get to know them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied with many great teachers and went to the Advanced School of Hard Knocks. I was taught that if you are a musician, you should be able to play anything. I always kept this in mind. I learned rudiments and then profected them playing in marching bands eventually becoming drum section leader. People type cast me by whatever context they see me in, but I don't actually specialize in anything. I try to be a specialist in whatever I'm playing at the time. Some people think I'm a rock player, some a funk player, some a jazz player, some even a Latin player, etc. I try to make it real no matter what I'm playing and enjoy getting the opportunity to learn new styles by joining different kinds of bands. I like many kinds of music. I use this approach when teaching because all music is fusion. There is a little bit of everything in everything.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was a drum section leader in a marching band but decades later I had gotten sick of playing music full time and went through a period of burn-out. I walked into a music store and saw an ad on the board where a guy had gotten a day job and needed somebody to take over his students. One thing lead to another. I discovered I had a gift for teaching. Teaching restored my love of music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I taught in many middle schools and also a couple high schools helping students learn jazz and snare drum for concert band and drum line. I also taught at many music stores. These students come in all shapes and sizes- young to old and beginning to advanced.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I caught a glimps of one of my students on TV at the airport in a local news story as his Roosevelt Jazz Band was coming back from New York after winning first prize in the Essentially Ellington contest! He is the second of my students to make it to be the drummer of that band.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The only real advice is to develope good practice habits. This means to practice every day an hour to two hours. This is really what makes the difference. If you can do that, never fear, you will become awesome.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what is your goal.