Greg H. TakeLessons Instructor music, Drums Tyne Dr, Franklin, TN

Greg moved to Nashville in 1987 and began  touring and playing sessions for  various Contemporary Christian Artists , including Geoff Moore, Audio Adrenaline, Chris Eaton, Wes King, Susan Ashton , Sonic Flood, Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, DC Talk, Gotee Bros, Chasing Furies and Out of the Grey. In the mid 90's his musical focus broadened with an introduction to country music. Greg was fortunate enough to audition for Martina McBride in 1996 and has been Martina's drummer ever since. His exposure to country music in 1996 was an eye opening experience but one that has been very fulfilling.  Since 1996 he has been fortunate enough to work for the following country artists, Martina McBride, John Rich, Sara Evans, Shelly Fairchild, Kelli Coffee, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Andy Griggs. Since joining Martina, he has played to sold out shows across the country, including Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall. Greg has appeared with Martina on the following TV shows, Today Show, Leno , Conan, CMA Awards, ACM Awards , MTV Fashion Rocks, Grammy Awards and the Grand Ole Opry ,just to highlight a few. He has also toured with Martina on tours that have included the following artists, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Reba McIntire, Keith Urban, Diamond Rio, Little Big Town, Lonestar, Sara Evans and Mark Wills. Greg has also been busy programming loops and playing drums in Nashville and makes his home in Franklin, Tn. with his wife Nikki and three children (Sam, Gracie and Jack).

Many of Greg’s students feel that after a few lessons they have a better understanding of the skills needed to be a solid drummer. Even if students don’t have a desire to play drums professionally, they feel more comfortable and confident behind the drums. Greg takes time to educate his more advanced students on real life situations including working on the road as a live drummer and preparing students for life as a session drummer.

Greg has a laid back approach to teaching and loves teaching all ages. He has three children of his own, and has great patience when working with children. Because children are like little sponges they do a great job retaining information. Some may just want to give the drums a test drive and some may find that they have a natural talent for drumming and they may decide to work seriously to build their abilities. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students are all welcome.

Greg feels that passing on his knowledge is important to prepare his students for the real world as both live and studio musicians. Many students feel that they have a better grasp of the fundamentals of drumming as Greg focuses on each of his student’s strengths and weaknesses. From beginners to more advanced students, Greg builds a game plan for each of his students and works with his students so they are working towards a common goal.

Curriculum:

Beginners:

Gripping the sticks, basic sticking techniques, basic straight time beats, beat placement, drum set fundamentals and an introduction to drum fills.

Intermediate:

Straight time and shuffle grooves, basic notation, playing with a click, fill variations, ghost notes, focus on groove and feel.

Advanced:

Straight time, shuffle and swing grooves, advanced notation, reading a number chart, locking with a click and loops, advanced hi-hat variations, importance of ghost notes and the hi-hat and there affect on the feel of the groove, how to prepare for an audition, choosing

I specialize in teaching students the fundamentals of drumming. From beginning students to mid-level and advanced students. I emphasize and focus on what is truly important to have a successful career as a drummer. I teach reading number charts , basic notation, groove empahsis , interaction with band members and how to truly focus on the fundamentals that will equate to success as a touring drummer and session drummer. Other focuses will be working with tracks, click tracks, preparing for auditions and the language and inner workings of being a professional drummer.

music, Drums