Kenneth W.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music 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 for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• 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

• In-Home Lessons: Yes
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Drums, Music Performance, Music Recording, Percussion

Education

Berklee College of Music - Contemporary Writing and Production/Performance - 01/2010- 05/2010 (not complete)
Univ. of North Texas - Sociology - 08/2001- 05/2006 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

I specialize in all styles i.e.: Jazz, R&B, Rock, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian. I stress fundamentals in my teaching. Having a solid grasp on rudiments, reading, coordination, and developing the ear. I use various books that I have studied and continue to use. Examples would be the Ted Reed book "Syncopation for the Modern Drummer," Marvin Dahlgren's "4 way coordination," Dave Garibaldi's "Future Sound," and Joe Morello's "Master Studies" to name a few. These books emphasize fundamentals which enable ... the student expand and be able to explore different ideas in their playing. I also incorporate playing along with music. Books can only take a player so far, it's the ear that allows them to be successful on the band stand. So I assign different albums to listen to so they can develop they're repertoire.

Read More »

« Read Less

Lesson Details

Through the many years of my personal study, I have come to understand that there are 3 key areas to focus on to become better at my craft. These 3 are:

-Fundamentals: Students learn stick control and different techniques, develop and strengthen reading skills and coordination
-Listening: Students are assigned various recordings to listen to and play back in lessons. This helps the student to develop active ears, a musical vocabulary and repertoire, and diversifies there playing. ... -Application: The applying of the tools to develop music. We combine what we learn and apply it to playing situations to help the student mature, and develop their own sound. Students will be challenged to push their musical bounds in different styles while applying what they have learned.

During the first lesson, every student is given an assessment so that a curriculum can be designed to foster the growth of that student. The curriculum will focus on strengthening the student's weaknesses, while developing them to become complete players. When you perform, you should be having fun and be relaxed. When i teach thats how I want my students to learn, having fun and being relaxed!!

Read More »

« Read Less

About

Kenny W. was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where at the age of 3 he began to play the drums in the church. His family then moved to Houston where he continued playing, and began his studies with Sam Dinkins of the Dinky Drum Company. Throughout Kenny’s life, he has been blessed to be able to receive invitations and perform at various music festivals such as the International Federation of Musicians National Convention, the Texas Jazz Festival, the Kemah Jazz Festival, the Essence ... Festival, Austin's SXSW and many more. He has also been extended the invitation to share the stage with artist such as Bob Becker and Nexus, Conrad Johnson Jazz Orchestra, the Young Sounds of Houston Jazz Orchestra, the Zapp Band, Scarface, Ali Woodson, and continues to perform with various artist today. Kenny has participated in recordings both as a composer and musician with the University of North Texas Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, Titus Glen and United Voices, Quentin Moore, Liquid Bounce, the Cephus Sisters, Ryan Brockington, and United Voices. He received a music scholarship to Texas Christian University, but accepted a jazz scholarship to the University of North Texas where he graduated with a degree in Sociology. He then received a scholarship and attended Berklee College of Music where he studied under Joe Hunt. Kenny has also served as a clinician for the Townview Marching Band, and has taught private lessons for 7 years. "I don't believe in being pigeonholed as far as my music capabilities go, and I don't allow my students to do so either."

Read More »

« Read Less

Kenneth's Photos

Average Rating