Private lessons with top Conga Drums instructors near Los Angeles, CA

Learn all traditional Conga drum styles from Salsa to Soca to Bossa Nova to Clave and Everything In Between!

I have been a professional musician and educator for the past ten years. I'm certain that my music theory knowledge and performance experience in all aspects of percussion including; drum set, mallet percussion, marching percussion, and hand percussion will have you making music in no time. My wide range of experience both as a professional musician and an educator can accommodate the budding rock star student and the student preparing for their Juilliard audition. I believe I can inspire students to think outside the box and forge their own path to success, all while having fun and learning to master their instrument! Hope to jam with you soon!

In a fun and easy going atmosphere, I will introduce to the beginners the Conga drum, how to play correctly and effortlessly all 7 “official” sounds on the Conga. Every class will consist on a routine of proper technique review and warming up exercises, followed by learning basic patterns. The first couple of lessons will be always geared towards the beginner student. As the student grasped old concepts, then we will move at a faster pace to attend the needs of the intermediate level students.

I have been teaching for about 8 years with students ranging from beginner to advanced. All ages are welcome! I also welcome all different styles of music from rock, to jazz, and even classical. Each lesson is catered specifically to the student. I want each student to be able to reach their own specific goals, while having the time of their life!

Afro-Cuban style Congas is fun and exciting. I can show you how to play so that you can perform with groups in school or groups out on the town!

Conga Drum: A tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. Congas are traditionally used in Afro-Cuban genres such as conga and rumba, although they are now very common in some other forms of Latin music, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, etc. We will focus on the basics of hand technique and placement, rhythms and playing to songs.

I have been teaching on and off for 15 years. In addition to teaching experience, I have real-world music experience that comes from either being a drum tech or touring the world playing huge stages. Whether you just want a hobby to release stress, or you are looking to play on an advanced level, I can help you achieve what you are looking for.

Hello! My name is David G. aka “Pudge”. I live in Brooklyn, NY and I would love to share my expertise and teach you drums, congas, batá, or any other percussion instruments you would like to explore. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Improvisational Music from the University of Nevada, Reno, and I have experience recording and performing in many musical settings including small group jazz, big band, pop, blues, rock, metal, punk, country, salsa, Brazilian, Cuban, orchestral, marching, reggae/ska, and church music. I play congas and have experience playing and recording in funk, salsa, timba, rumba, and other folkloric Cuban styles. I also play batá drums, double-headed Afro-Cuban drums played in the religious ceremonies of Santería. I also speak intermediate Spanish and can tutor beginning speakers and a wide variety of other school topics. My curriculum for students is very focused but flexible to each student's interests and needs, generally focusing on technique, rudiments, groove, playing songs/arrangements, improvising in different settings, reading music, listening, and sharing my real world experience to guide my students towards their goals. But most importantly, I bring positive energy, love, and spiritual connection to drumming and practice that encourages my students to have fun, enjoy the learning process, be patient and nonjudgmental, and ask me whatever questions they have about life as a musician. I look forward to working with you!