Hi! I’m glad you found my page and are interested in exploring your musical passion. As a percussionist, I have been fortunate enough to perform all over the state of Illinois and across the country and want to provide every student with the tools to allow them to do the same. Playing and performing percussion has been my life’s devotion and I hope to give you the same great learning experience that has seen me through to where I am today.

I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance and have completed Graduate Studies in Percussion Performance at Roosevelt University in Chicago. I currently work part time on the music faculty at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, IL as percussion instructor and work with the Marching Mustang Drumline/Front Ensemble as well as the Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band. My prior teaching experiences include working as a drumline instructor at both Oswego High...

Hi! I'm here to help any student of any level to reach their musical goals! I have been playing music (drums, piano, organ, guitar) for 14 years 12 of which have been as a professional! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from Columbia College Chicago. I've been on the road recently for awhile and am looking forward to getting back to teaching!!

I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your musical needs (any style, genre, tempo) while having a fun and enjoyable time!

Growing up in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, I am now finishing up my Bachelor in Music degree from the DePaul School of Music in Chicago, Il.
I have studied with some of the best musicians in the business. I am able to share much knowledge with my students that I have learned first hand from: Eric Millstein of The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Al Payson (Chicago Symphony Orchestra alumni), Michael Kozakis (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Jazz instructors Bob Rummage (worked with Woody Herman), Kelly Sill (worked with Joel Spencer, Hank Jones, Art Blakey, Mel Lewis, Bobby Hutcherson) and harmony with Bob Palmieri (Maynard Ferguson Big Band, Billy Hart).
In High School, I was the top drummer for the Minnesota Youth Jazz Band for three years. Also, participated in the Great Twin Cities Youth Symphony Orchestra lead by Amir Katz, and coached by members of the Minnesota Orchestra. After being accepted into the University of Minnesota...

-Began with private piano lessons at age 7

-Started playing drums in 5th grade

-Private lessons for drums at 6th grade

-Won a scholarship at the Chicago College of Music

-Won a scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor's of Music from Milliken University

-Received a Teacher's Assistantship and graduated with a Master's of Music from the University of New Mexico

-Played in a lot of different kinds of bands and small and large ensembles

I love playing a lot of different instruments. Experiencing what kinds of sound you can create with your instrument. Its all about the sound. I will do my best to help you understand how to create wonderful sounds from whatever kind of percussion instrument you choose to play.

Originally from Indiana, David has been teaching music in both the private and public school sectors for 12 years. Getting his start as a drumline instructor with only 4 students, David soon expanded his teaching to include both guitar and piano, which he studied under Frank Puzzulo (of Miles Davis' group) at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Upon graduating Ball State, David moved to Colorado to study jazz and classical music with Dr. Douglas Walter, an accomplished percussionist who is known for his versatility and multiple percussion talents. He also studied piano and guitar in his off time, jamming with several rock and jazz groups both in and out of school.

In 2006, David left the college scene with a Masters in Music and moved to Florida where he began his teaching career. In Florida, David taught roughly 70 students, ages 5 to 18, at Wewahitchka High School and Middle School. He was beloved by the town, helping out in the community as a local organist...

I have been working as a freelance musician and private instructor in Chicago for fifteen years. During this time I have been hired to perform Jazz, Rock, R/B, and world music. As an instructor I have maintained a studio of five to twenty students on a weekly basis. I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Percussion Performance, and a Master of Music degree from De Paul University in Jazz Studies.

Having played music for as long as I can remember (my father is an accomplished Jazz and Soul drummer), music has always been a key ingredient in my life much like eating and breathing. From playing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme on the drum set as a toddler, I have gone on to learn electric/classical/lap steel guitar, electric/upright bass, various keyboard instruments, most percussion instruments, and many old time instruments such as banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, and harmonica. I'm currently teaching myself viola.

In addition to the performing aspect of music, I am also experienced with writing/composition, recording/engineering/mixing/production, and design/manufacturing/distribution/vending of my own albums as well as those of others. However, none of these things bring me the same joy as teaching the ways of music to others. Fortunately, all of these skills integrate to bring about a clear view of the big picture in regards to music so I can better serve a wider...

Hello one and ALL! I am currently a student at VanderCook College of Music for my degree in Music Education. I have taught lessons and have performed in various ensembles, such as the VanderCook Symphonic Band, VanderCook Collegiate Choir, VanderCook Symphonic Orchestra, VanderCook College Brass Ensemble, and the VanderCook Wind Ensemble. Over my career, I have learned and am capable of playing 17 different instruments, including percussion, bass and acoustic guitar, and singing.
With me as your teacher, there will NEVER be a dull moment in your lessons. I will take any and all of your ideas and we will work together to get you playing or singing the music YOU love! I believe music is about learning, growing, and having fun. If that is what YOU love to do, then I would be the BEST music teacher for YOU!

Thor has extensive experience as a performer, composer, and teacher. He is an active performer, who keeps himself busy in all the following styles: rock, pop, jazz, country, hip-hop, classical, metal, acoustic, latin, avant-gaarde, showband, big band, sight-reading, fusion and more. He earned a degree in Music Performance from UW-Milwaukee and has completed two original albums in the last two years, with a third to be released this year. Recently he worked overseas on P&O cruise lines in Australia.

Hello prospective students!!!

My objective as a teacher is to impart what I've learned over the past 14 years as a professional drummer to students of all ages. All I require is that you have the desire to learn how to play drums!!! I focus on Technique, Theory, Improvisation, Style and most importantly Groove.
Major Accomplishments:
As an Educator: I have taught as a substitute for numerous music schools through out NJ, most notably at the Jazz Institute of New Jersey under Rodam Schwartz where I taught Jazz Drum Set, Piano and Brazilian Percussion. I have also conducted clinics in the states and in South Africa. I am currently teaching Jazz Drum Set and Snare Technique at Carthage University in Kenosha WI.
As a Touring Professional Drummer: I have toured throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East and the US. I have toured with groups such as King Django (Epitaph records), Brooklyn Funk Essentials (Shanachie...