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.
Background Check Complete
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.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Drum
Education
Woodbridge highschool - General - 1990-1994 Long Beach State - Music - 200
Specialties
Rock, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Afro-Beat, Klezmer, and African music
Lesson Details
I like to have fun with my students.
We'll begin lesson showing you how to hold the sticks and hit the drums in a balanced grounded way.
We'll then start with a fun piece of music that's easy to understand and we'll learn how to listen to what's going on with the drums.
I have my students sing the drum parts with me (Boom & Bop & Boom & Bop &). Within the first lesson I will show you a basic rock beat that can be played to thousands of songs. We'll also talk about some basic
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independence and I'll show you how to read the drum notation for the rock beat that we learned.
Everything I teach is based on the principle that what ever we learn is easy, when broken down into small, simple steps.
DAVID began his musical journey studying piano and guitar at the age of ten. Soon to follow he began singing and performing in middle school choir and musical theatre where he excelled and found a love for performing. A connection to dance and physical movement has always been a part of David's life. At 2 years old his grandmother bought him a pair of tap shoes and started teaching him basic dance styles. The big revelation happened when David discovered the drums. With the combination of
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dance, rhythm and physicality, it was a perfect match, and David he knew he had found his instrument and his calling.
His formal education began at California State University of Long Beach where he studied classical marimba, snare drum, Brazilian percussion, West African percussion, and Calypso. David then had a unique opportunity to study with one of his drum idols and began apprenticing with Jeff Hamilton. That experience gave David the opportunity to travel the world with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and learn from some of the best musicians on the planet. He later went on to study with Peter Erskine (Elvis Costello), Joe Labarbera (Bill Evans), Kenny Washington (Bill Charlap), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live, Sheryl Crow) and Samir Chatterjee (Indian Tabla master).
David decided to relocate from Los Angeles to New York City to continue his career and quickly established himself as a freelance drummer and drum teacher. He has been played and toured with some of the top artists and groups in New York including The Klezmatics, Josh Nelson Group, Bill Simms Jr, Redlight Cinema, Brother Han, The Gentlemen's Brawlers, The Kat Gang Ensemble, The Dr. Zsa Zydeco Band, The Didge Project, The Gold Magnolias, Klezmer Juice, The Underground Horns, Dimitri Landrain Quartet, Adrian Cunningham Funktet, Chris Conly group, Adam Minkoff ensemble, Joel Frahm, Gilad Hekselman, Alan Ferber, Matt Clohesy, Mike Moreno, Brad Shepik, Andy Mckee, Clay Jenkins, Dan Pratt, Rob Scheps, Jared Gold, Norbert Satchel, and Gary Versace. David's influences include Rock n Roll, Blues, Funk, jazz, Pop and Eastern European music.
David truly enjoys sharing his his passion and experience of music with others. He has students of all ages and skill levels. With all of his real world experience, David is eager to help his students reach the next level in their musical life's journey.
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.
