Los Angeles, CA Bongo Lessons

Focus on basic technique, rhythm, and creativity.

Bongo lessons

In this course, students and I will go in-depth into the background and musicology of the Bongos. We will practice and learn to play with authentic settings for the Bongos while examining contemporary playing.

My experience as a performer and teacher spans over 25 years of every musical style. I believe in creating an environment that is focused on playing music well and where the student can have fun while gaining confidence. It is important to develop functional musicians with good technique, time, and listening skills. We will cover all styles of conga/bongo music from Latin, Afro-Cuban, and rock/pop, including jazz, and other percussion as desired.

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. I put my all in the student who is in front of me because I believe time is an essential asset to lessons. Also, every case is so uniquely different in terms of students and I take a good amount of time to calibrate the learning style of every student.

The drums are the backbone of most music, so you have to be able to feel the groove and stay tight and on top of the beat. I encourage students to pick their favorite songs, and we drum to those while learning proper technique, rudiments, song form, fills, rhythm, different grooves / beats, and anything they want to know about the drums. I have been playing the drums for over sixteen years and have a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Berklee College of Music. Drums is a beautiful art and form of expression and is just the tip of the iceberg we can tackle called Music.

I’ve been playing and performing on drum set and percussion for the last 10 years. I’ve been in a touring group named Universal Sigh based out of Athens, GA. I try to give my students a blend of opened minded guidance along with specific techniques and skills that will help them further their musical evolution.

I am a professional drummer and educator with 26 years experience teaching and performing. My background includes live/session experience in multiple styles and musical genres, including pop, rock, jazz, funk, fusion, latin and electronic, in additional to compositional study and theory.

We will design our lessons together as student and teacher, and I am able to adapt my teaching style to each students' specific needs and abilities. Learn the fundamentals while playing along with your favorite songs! Advance your skills in a comfortable setting, with lots of encouragement and support.

I have experience with all ages and abilities, including students with physical and intellectual disabilities.

My students have fun and learn quickly! I teach all skill levels and all styles of percussion, specializing in drum set, orchestra percussion, and four mallet marimba. Every beginner that takes a lesson with me with be able to play a drum beat and a snare drum piece on day one. After a few more lessons, they will be learning songs and creating their own drum beats! All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student.