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Dennis B.

Dennis B.

“Learn to groove with solid timing today!”

  • Located in

    Chula Vista, CA, 91913

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Call us at

800-252-1508
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  • About
  • Photos & Videos
  • Student Reviews 5
  • Availability
  • How It Works
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  • General Info
    • TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks.
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      Criminal Background Check

      In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
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    • Levels: Beginner to Advanced
    • Ages: 5 & up
    • In-Home Lessons: Yes
    • In-Studio Lessons: Yes
    • Online Lessons: No
    Subjects Taught In Person
    Drum
    Education

    Diablo Valley College - G.E., Jazz Ensemble, Recording - August 1986 - 1988
    UCSD - Urban Planning, Music 101, Jazz Ensemble - August 1988 - Jan 1992 (Bachelor's degree received)

    Specialties
    I teach jazz: traditional, be-bop, Brazilian, Latin, and fusion. I also teach rock, funk, and metal. I teach primarily match grip, but can instruct on traditional grip if necessary. My specialty would be jazz/fusion and rock/fusion as these styles allow for the most creativity and freedom.
    Lesson Details
    My lesson plans for the beginner will start with the basics: stick technique, rudiments of drumming, reading drum notation. For the intermediate to advanced we'll focus on what you want to learn while filling in the blanks with all styles of modern drumming. I am a very patient instructor that will make sure that you are comfortable and excited about drumming. My goal is to make you a solid musician that has strong timing, groove, and phrasing. Ultimately, you should sound like a drummer that ...
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    About
    I have been playing drums professionally for over 15 years. My styles range from traditional jazz, to jazz/fusion, Latin, Brazilian, rock and funk. I have studied music at Diablo Valley College, Southwestern College, and UCSD. I am a founding member of the critically acclaimed James Abbuhl band where I drummed and co-produced the CD "Voyages and Homecomings". My focus will be to get you to play musically. The drums should fit the music, meaning that as a drummer, one should play what makes ...
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    Equipment
    In-Studio: Living room...open space...for several people...drum kit... metronome

    In-Home: I provide a basic drum kit if needed. Students should have sticks,practice pad, snare drum, and the desire to get a full drum set if they don't have one already.

  • Dennis's Photos

    • Dennis B.

    Dennis's Audio Clips

  • Rated 5 out of 5 by 5 reviewers.
    Rated 5 out of 5 by :) With our teacher my daughter has learned how to play her own rock beat in just a few lessons! He is nice, friendly and listens to her. She feels comfortable with him. Thanks for being our teacher! :) April 29, 2013
    Rated 5 out of 5 by A great teacher! I love how Dennis has customized my lessons for my taste in music and my goals with the drums. This makes the lessons fun and productive--and it keeps the practicing at home enticing, too. I definitely see great progress in my drumming since I started working with him. April 19, 2013
    Rated 5 out of 5 by A great teacher! I've wanted to take drum lessons my whole life and finally got up the courage. Figured I'd be two left feet and two left hands! This made me self-conscious. But Dennis totally put me at ease, and I'm having a great time learning with him. He tailors each lesson for me and the progress I've made on my own while I practiced, and he had me playing my favorite songs right away. I've even learned how to read a piece of sheet after just a few lessons! I was always so intimidated by that part. Dennis is so clear in explaining, and so patient in working through nuances, and careful to get me going on the rudiments right away. He is thorough, responsive, encouraging, and just plain nice. I highly recommend him as a teacher of any age student. March 14, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Grandmother of student, Aaron Aaron enjoys the time with Dennis. I believe he is learning because of the positive interaction between teacher and student.Thanks February 23, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Excellent Dennis has been the best and I couldn't ask for a better teacher.He is very patient and understanding and knows what it takes for sucsess March 25, 2011

  • Getting Started

    Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think about the logistics of your lessons.
    Lesson Length
    There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay focused.
    Lesson Location
    Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home, in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet via live video chat.

    Book Your Lessons Online

    Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the payment plan that works best for you.
    Scheduling Lessons
    After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to see which time slots and days are open.
    Booking Options
    Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
    Payment and Billing
    We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance, which locks in your time slot.
    Signing Your Customer Agreement
    Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level, and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right from the start.

    Start Your Lessons

    Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an exceptional first lesson...
    Prepare for Your First Lesson
    Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
    What To Expect
    Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
    Reach the Goals You Set
    Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan! You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of your progress with a lesson journal.

    Programs & Pricing

    The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available, you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
    100% Money Back Guarantee
    If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson purchase.
    Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
    In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson takes place.
    How does billing work?
    Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the lesson program you select.
    What forms of payment do you accept?
    At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card. We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
    Do you offer a free trial lesson?
    We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee, simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
    Do you offer any discounts?
    At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.

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