Kelley W. music, drum set, percussion, melodic percussion, guitar, bass guitar, rhythm theory Douglasville, GA

I began my music journey at the age of 7 when I acquired my first drumset.  I was self-taught until middle school when I joined the percussion section of concert band.  Never missing an oportunity to expand my realm of musical knowledge I began to jump on any extra-curricular activites involving percussion and music.  After joining the marching band in high school I started taking lessons from Ryan Parker (local instructor/drum corps veteran) and benefited greatly from his private instruction.  During my senior year of high school I began training for auditions for the University of Georgia Redcoat Band drumline and was chosen to play snare.  I also began teaching lessons around this same time.  After a year of college I decided that a major university was not for me and I left to pursue my own musical interests.  I've spent several years working with both the Alexander High School marching band and the Chapel Hill High School marching band as drum instructor and caption head as well as working with the West Atlanta Rhythm competitive indoor drumline.  Outside of scholastic and marching bands I play with a number of local bands ranging in styles including jazz, funk, rock, and heavy metal.  I feel that my being exposed to so many different techniques and styles is what has led me to better myself as a percussionist.  I stress this idea to all of my students.  If you explore every musical oportunity possible then you will expand your overall musical knowledge and versitility--a sought after trait in the music business. 

I'm generally laid back with most of my students.  I realize that part of learning is discussing so I urge my students to share their thoughts and questions as we learn new exercises and ideas.  I enjoy finding new ways to relate to my students, and every student presents a learning experience for me. 

While I teach from various instructional books most of the material that we'll be working on will be specially written based on the students desires.  I've had great success with students by determining their goals and reaching them while also teaching them other important skills to help them develop good practice ethic, technique, and above all musical independence.  I would say the thing i'm most strict about is PRACTICE!!  I stress at the beginning and end of each lesson (no matter the level of student) the importance of regular practice. 

My main goals outside of the student achieving their musical independence are helping them realize the diversity of music and inspiring curiousity in all artistic aspects of life. 

With students who are just starting out the first month or two are spent building technique, style and confidence on their instrument while progressing into more complex ideas as he or she grows.

drums/percussion-rock, jazz, funk, heavy metal, symphonic, marching.
guitar-classical, folk, rock.
bass-rock

music, drum set, percussion, melodic percussion, guitar, bass guitar, rhythm theory