Top Drum Lessons for Kids in Costa Mesa, CA

ion of Scott Johnson & Jeff Lee in 2002, and Sean Vega & Jim Wunderlich in 2003.

During my college years I started playing Jazz Vibraphone in my school'™s top big-band. This allowed me the opportunity to play Jazz Piano which I have performed and still study until this day. As a result, Jazz has now become one of my biggest passions.

As a Professional International Composer, I have had the privilege of writing and arranging for many marching bands, wind ensembles, and indoor percussion ensembles, including orchestrations, recordings and sequencing projects for media, and musical theatre in the United States and Japan.

I am also currently an adjudicator for the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) and a member of the Vic-Firth Education Team.

I hope that this gives you a close and personal Idea of where I come from and hope that I can help you get the most out of your experience with music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that in order for you to get the most out of our lessons it takes both, the Teacher'™s and Student'™s understanding and attention from both ends. sometimes giving all of the information in the world won't help if one there is no engagement and two if me as a teacher don't make sure that you understand. So I like to make sure to explain things in more than one way to make sure the student understands the concepts and what to practice.

I like to keep a relaxed atmosphere, but also making sure that there is a high level of professionalism and expectation of attentiveness from the student.

Of course, I also understand that this all depends on the age of the student, and as we meet and get to see what it is that you want to focus on and I will make sure to concentrate on that and help you reach your goals!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mallets, Concert and Marching Sticks, Metronome, Practice pad, and Literature.
(Acoustic and Electric Piano are available depending on the time we arrange our lessons at the studio)
(Electric Drumset Available soon)

*** Travel Equipment ***
Mallets, Concert and Marching Sticks, Metronome, Practice pad, and Literature.
(I sometimes bring additional implements, such as hand drums, like a djembe and other accessories, depending on the focus of our lessons.)
I may be able to bring a Keyboard upon request

*** Specialties ***
I have been performing with Drum and bugle corps since 2002, (DCI)

Marching Rudimental, and Concert Percussion styles. All Percussion.
Orchestral, Marimba, Vibraphone, and Marching Percussion.

I specialize in the Jazz genre, and have performed Jazz piano.. which includes sight-reading and chord recognition in the Jazz idiom.

hat process I will make sure you get results.

I am laid back and very patient. Two qualities I feel are necessary to be successful in this field.

I design my curriculum for each individual. This is because everyone has their own goals, there own level of ability, and their own needs as far as how to get there.

Locations:
1) If you are located in Orange County, all lessons will be at my studio in Santa Ana.

2.) If you are located in the Southbay or West LA, I will come to your house for lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drumsets, PA system. Amps, Guitars, and Keyboards.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have acoustic guitars, a practice pad, and a djembe. I expect my students to have their own drumsticks and, ideally, their own guitar and practice pad or drumset.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock/contemporary & marching band style percussion/drums. I also specialize in folk style guitar and bass.

ason Lingle (Berklee School Of Music), Keith Harris (drummer for The Black Eyed Peas) and Lee Nichols, to name a few. My experiences with these teachers has led to a proficiency in rock, jazz and Latin, as well as the ability to convey these concepts in a manner that promotes patience, personal challenge, and constant progress.

Besides teaching private lessons at many local facilities, I have had the opportunity to teach group classes at dozens of elementary and middle schools, including schools in the Westminster, Ocean View and Huntington Beach school districts. I have also aided many students into attending the arts high-school/college of their choice by working with them to properly read and perform all audition material.

Whether you are a brand-new beginner or a seasoned student of the instrument, I am confident that I can take your playing to the next level. Oh yeah, we will also have a great time. Maybe you don’t know yet, but playing the drums is FUN. Give me a call and I will prove it to you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach using the Freddie Gruber method, which promotes a natural grip of stick and the idea that we should allow the stick to “do what it wants to do” by using natural and fluid motions. This is an incredibly effective style of play and is used by drummers such as Neil Peart, Dave Weckl and Steve Smith.

I teach with an emphasis both on rudiments and hand technique, as well as drum-set exercises and genre study. I encourage practice to be done on a rubber practice pad
as well as on the drum-set, and for brand-new beginners, I often recommend that the practice pad be used exclusively for the first several weeks or months to allow for a great understanding of basic grips and hand techniques. This is especially true when the new beginner doesn't yet own a drum-set. I am often asked, “does my child need a drum-set to take lessons?” The answer is always a resounding “not at all!” A pair of sticks and a practice pad will do the trick, and will also allow you, as the parent, to see your child’s level of involvement.

Within the first 3 to 6 months of lessons, my students can expect to:

- Properly play and understand a handful of rudiments, including the single and double stroke rolls, the paradiddle family, as well as several flam and drag rudiments.
- Play and begin properly reading many different drum-beats and rhythms, and connect these beats using fills that are fun and sound cool.
- Begin learning songs of the their choice, from Metallica to Miles Davis.

I am also inspired by many different educational sources, including the textbooks:

- Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone
- Rockin’ Bass Drum by Charles Perry and John Lombardo
- Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice
- The Art Of Bop Drumming by John Riley
- The Drummer’s Bible by Mick Berry and Jason Gianni
- Haskell Harr’s Drum Method

…as well as many other awesome texts that provide both classic and contemporary concepts that are challenging, and most importantly, sound really cool.

I teach out of an awesome private studio that features 2 drum-sets (the student never needs to get off the drum-set), recording equipment (lessons are often recorded and cited later) and a great headphone sound system (for effectively learning and playing along with songs.) Simply put, I believe my studio is the most fun and efficient place to study the drums in Orange County.

Whether you are a drum-line student who needs help playing a piece, a rock drummer who wishes to learn the basics of jazz (or vice versa), or a brand-new beginner who wants to see what this whole drumming thing is all about (spoiler: it’s awesome), I have the patience, the passion and the skills to help you get the most out of this wonderful instrument. Let’s play the drums!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach out of an awesome private studio that features 2 drum-sets (the student never needs to get off the drum-set), recording equipment (lessons are often recorded and cited later) and a great headphone sound system (for effectively learning and playing along with songs.) Simply put, I believe my studio is the most fun and efficient place to study the drums in Orange County.

Check out the photos in my profile for some pictures.

*** Specialties ***
Years of teaching group classes to elementary and middle school students has given me lots of experience with a multitude of learning styles. My specialty lies in not only conveying lessons and concepts in an easy to understand manner, but doing so in a fun way that encourages progress. Simply put, you will want to practice, simply to see exercises and grooves evolve.

While I am most proficient in rock music and have played in many rock bands, I am also very proficient in formal snare playing (marching/classical) as well as standards in jazz and Latin.

ts. Basically I've done a little of everything and I believe that it is this diversity of experiences that makes me a better teacher. Having worked in so many settings gives me a broad understanding that I use to help you reach whatever goals you might have.

I have also become adept at writing, recording and producing music, studying under Frank Wright of the legendary rock band Chicago. If you have an interest in creating and/or recording music I can definitely help you get there! Check out my chill/downtempo instrumental album 'Night Music'.

*** Lesson Details ***
I can teach you about playing several different instruments, how to write, how to record your own music, and how to get your music career off the ground! As a youth, I was largely self-taught so my inspiration was always to have fun. I never had to deal with the 'homework' style of practicing so I've naturally incorporated that approach to my lessons. My goal is to keep you (the student) inspired and having fun. When that happens you will become good at your instrument and feel as though you 'played' your way to success! As your teacher I will also provide almost all of the materials for free and show you great free apps to help you along with your learning and keep costs to a minimum! I know we will have fun together while you learn and I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, piano/keyboard, drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and a ProTools recording studio.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the learning materials but I expect the student to have their own instrument, be that a guitar, drum set, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Commercial music is definitely my specialty, but I am also capable of doing various styles such as classical, bluegrass, traditional/folk. Just focus on what you want to learn and I can teach it to you.

d that's exactly how I perform- with tender, love, and care. I was once the other musical half of a Carpenters tribute band, Close To You. My friend and I learned many of the Carpenters tunes and collaborated with vocals, piano, steel drums, drums and other percussion.

My teaching is focused on reading the notes (pitch), proper technique and rhythm. All are a part of the music-making process and should be equally strong. I start with young beginners when they can count to at least 10 and know the alphabet. The student must have the proper instrument and additional equipment, when necessary. The student is required to practice on a regular basis (daily is ideal).

I am currently available for online or in-studio lessons. Please notify me if there is a day and time not available. I try to be flexible but do prefer serious and committed students. When signing up a child for the first time, it is best to make a one year commitment so the child can really learn to work alone and develop self-discipline and parental guidance and support is necessary for success. For adults, commitment to practicing is key- not just lesson attendance.

You have all the ability and power to learn and be great- I'm just going to guide you all the way to your goal!

Please notify me of the special need prior to booking lessons so I can accommodate.

a direction that will feedback into more learning and a drive to explore more styles of music.

advanced student will learn better control & execution of rudiments & grooves he or she may already be familiar with. Introduction to playing patterns in odd time signatures such as 5/4, 7/8 and 9/16. Visual concepts applied to various genres of music. To be used in an effort to capture a particular mood, as it relates directly to the feeling of a song. Similar to the practice of method acting.

Lessons are held at my project recording studio near downtown Los Angeles. On two sets: An acoustic muffled practice kit, used during the Rudiment & Sight Reading portions of the lesson. As well as an 8 piece Roland Electronic virtual drum set, used during the Drum Set Application portion of the session. Which allows for real time play along with lesson material or any of your favorite songs.

ents to bring songs they love to lessons for us to focus on, and for beginners, to start playing with other people as soon as possible. This keeps lessons dynamic and engaging—playing drums should be fun!

For intermediate and advanced students, I bring my experience as a working studio and live drummer to lessons. We focus on musicianship in the context of a band, listening, timbre, groove, timekeeping, confidence, and the intangibles of what it takes to be an effective band member (and an employable drummer!).

In addition to countless hours spent in middle and high school banging away on the drums in my parents' basement, I studied jazz in college, and since then have taken lessons with Scott Amendola to supplement my experience playing.

Please feel free to send me a message if you'd like to start lessons! I'm available to teach in students' homes in Los Angeles, or teach lessons online.