Drums with Russ S.

I am a Recent graduate of Berklee College of music in Boston with 10 years of teaching experience, and 17 years playing experience. I have won multiple drum competitions and have experience performing in all styles from jazz (Phil Woods) to folk (Jay Ungar and Molly Mason). I first got excited about the drums from watching local bands play in my hometown of Ithaca, NY. From there I began to play in the jazz band at a community music school, and soon after that began playing in elementary school concert and jazz band. Soon after, I started playing in cover bands and expanding my repertoire. In high school I won two downbeat awards for best pop/rock drummer (2004) and outstanding performance for jazz drumming (2005). In high school I played in various touring groups, and started Berklee in 2009. Since Berklee, I have worked on Celebrity Cruise lines as a drummer for jazz and rock bands, as well as playing for the theatrical performances and musical reviews. I am happy to have my teaching studio up and running in Nashville! My influences are many, but if I were to break them into categories: Rock: John Bonham, Abe Cunningham, Abe Laboriel Jr Funk: Chris Dave, Ziggy Modeliste, Pete Mclain Jazz: Tony Williams, Max Roach, Art Blakey *** Lesson Details *** “Russ is one of the absolute best students I have ever had in my long teaching career at Berklee College of Music. Russ is very talented, smart, highly disciplined and open minded as a musician. Having Russ as a teacher will be an experience where the student will receive an effective, focused, and open minded approach to the students individual musical needs and interests.” -Dave Weigert, Drum Instructor, Berklee College of Music.  I've been teaching privately for 10 years, and in that time have found that the best way to maximize each students success is to focus on the material that is most interesting to them. Beginning students can learn their favorite songs, while getting a basic foundation in rudiments and syncopation, while advanced students can structure the lesson in a way they would find the most beneficial to their playing style and interests. I am happy to recommend books, music and DVDs relevant to your interests! I have a huge collection of drum books, DVDs and music that I am happy to share! *** Studio Equipment *** Drum set, PA, amps, guitars, computer, microphones. Chairs are also provided if a parent would like to watch a lesson. Full recording and video capabilities. *** Travel Equipment *** I would like students to have a drum set, sticks, manuscript book and assignment book for each lesson. I can provide anything else for the lesson such as recordings or sheet music. *** Specialties *** I have experience playing and teaching rock, jazz, Latin, concert snare drum and marching percussion. I am familiar with the Allen Dawson, Ted Reed, and John Riley methods for jazz drumming.