Greg E. TakeLessons Instructor Drum-set, Percussion, Hand Drums, Mallets, drums valenica dr, Huntington Beach, CA

Music has long been my passion ever since I began studying drums and percussion at the age of 12.  I have had the fortune of traveling across the country and around the world to pursue this passion, and looking back, I owe all of my success to my first drum teacher.  Ever since I became a teacher myself, around six years ago, I have tried to emulate his positive energy and encouraging teaching style which I found to be so inspiring.

During my undergraduate studies, at the Lawrence University music conservatory in Wisconsin, I majored in percussion performance and music education.  This dual major allowed me to hone my musical skills under an amazing and world-renowned percussionist—Dane Richeson, while simultaneously learning affective teaching methods to convey my knowledge to students.  While in Wisconsin I also had ample performing experiences both through the school and in the community; here are just a sample of the kinds of groups I played in: Brazilian Samba, African Drum and Dance, Folkloric Cuban, Jazz Combos, Big Band Jazz, Hip-Hop, Orchestras, Wind Symphony, Salsa…etc.

Being a native of Portland, Oregon, I decided to move back to the West Coast after my graduation in the Midwest.  For the last two years I have been working towards my masters degree in percussion performance at California State University in Long Beach.  As a grad TA at the university, I teach the percussion methods course and freshmen percussion ensemble.  Teaching at the college level has been a great experience, and has given me more diversity as a teacher.  While in Wisconsin, I was fortunate to student-teach bands at both a middle school and high school.  Now I have experience teaching at all age levels, and I have discovered which methods work best at each age and ability level.

Since moving to California I have also been privileged with some great performance opportunities alongside some great musicians.  In 2006 my jazz combo was awarded KKJZ’s “The One’s to Watch.” We performed and were interviewed for a 45-minute radio special with radio host Helen Borgers. I am also in the first Jazz ensemble at Long Beach State, and have performed with many great jazz artists such as: Bob Mintzer, Tom Kubis, Jeff Clayton and Bobby Mcfarren… to name a few.

As a percussionist I have many areas of focus.  My major is in “classical” percussion, therefore I play a lot of marimba and other keyboard instruments along with snare drum, timp, etc.  When it comes to studying music at the university level, this style of percussion is essential.  Most high school students do not begin studying mallets until their last year; this makes college auditions very difficult.  I encourage all of my younger students to study mallets with me along with drums.  I have helped prepared many of my students for college auditions and all of them have been successful.

Drum-set was my first true love, and has continued to be one of my stronger areas.  As I stated earlier, I have had a lot of experience in all styles; Jazz, Rock, Latin, Hip-Hop..etc.  Despite being a “classical” major, I have consistently been in the top performing jazz ensembles at each school I have attended, and continue to perform with many great musicians and bands in the community.

Hand drums and world music is another one of my passions.  I am currently writing my master’s thesis (dissertation) on the folkloric drumming of Cuba. My love for world music has led me to study in Brazil and Japan with many great percussionists.  Some of my most inspirational teachers include: Michael Spiro, Brad Dutz, Mark Lamson, Jamey Haddad, Guilherme Hidalgo…etc.

I teach a range of styles and instruments.  Many of my students study drum-set styles including Jazz, Latin and other contemporary styles. Some study hand drums and world music such as congas, bata, bongos...etc. Other students come to me for college preparation on percussion and mallet instruments.  I enjoy teaching all of these styles and I encourage my students to study in as many areas as they can.  Diversity is one of the most significant qualities that makes a drummer successful.

As a teacher I like to keep lessons focused, but there is usually a lot of fun and humor involved.  Music is supposed to be fun, so I would never want to make my students feel nervous or intimidated.  When I was a student my teacher was always encouraging and supportive. These qualities along with his passion and knowledge inspired me to learn more.  That is the style of teaching I try to emulate for my students.

I have studied in Brazil and specialize in Brazilian drumming, Cuban drumming and Jazz. I also specialize in classical percussion and mallets.

Rex Putnam - - 1996-2001
Lawrence University - Music Ed, Percussion - 2001-2006
California State University Long Beach - Percussion Performance - 2006-2008

Drum-set, Percussion, Hand Drums, Mallets, drums