Drums with Thomas A.

I have been playing drums for over 47 years. For 16 years I played and performed professionally with my band Black Widow USA. We toured the US several times in support of our two internationally released CDs. For about 30 years of my time behind a drum set I had given drum lessons on and off. But because of my super strong passion for the drums and my desire to share my knowledge of the instrument I decided to start teaching on a more regular basis about four years ago. Several of my first regular students have now gone on to do very well themselves. Drumming in bands of their own. Although I can teach most styles of drumming I have been a die hard rock and roller most of my life. With my main influences on the instrument being Carmine Appice, Don Brewer from Grand Funk, John Bonham, Ian Paice from Deep Purple and for double bass Tommy Aldridge. So I really specialize in the old rock and roll, classic rock, hard rock and metal from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, all the way up to today's rock, metal and pop music. I believe my years of experience are valuable in relating to each students musical interests ,desires and accomplishments on the drums. After my original band Black Widow decided to go on a long break several years ago I was offered a drumming position in a local classic rock and metal cover band. So besides teaching I have continued to satisfy my love for playing drums and performing with that band. Which gigs out on a regular monthly bases. *** Lesson Details *** I make sure that I find out from the get go what each and every new student likes musically and what they want to learn and how far they want to go on the drums. Then I try to tailor all the lessons to each students interests and abilities. Making sure that it's fun for them in the process. This can't be work or a chore or they won't stick with it. But I will say I do believe that every beginning student who has NEVER sat behind a kit before should know and start with the fundamentals ( the building blocks so to speak) of drumming such as holding the sticks, proper stick control and technique, and how to execute some important basic rudiments and keep good time. Also I think learning to read some drum notation is important so you know and understand what you are playing when you play it, but can teach by ear also. I can also teach double bass technique if a student is interested in that. *** Studio Equipment *** Works space w/two drum sets, one double-bass and one single. Instruction material (books, CDs, videos). Seating for parents. *** Travel Equipment *** If necessary to travel to a students home, they should have a drum kit there or at least a practice pad to get started on. I will bring sticks, a metronome if needed and the necessary instruction books for the lessons. Also willing to travel to a students home if they are just getting started and need help setting up their kit or need help tuning the drums. *** Specialties *** Mostly specialize in beginner to intermediate ages 7 and up teaching rock ( which includes old rock and roll from the 50's, blues), classic rock ( 60's and 70's) , hard rock and metal from the 80's all the way up to today's rock, pop and metal music. Believe it or not, it's all tied together. Let me show and teach you how.