Los Angeles, CA Bongo Lessons

Focus on basic technique, rhythm, and creativity.

Give anyone a drum and they will instantly know what to do. Drums are meant to be hit, and for those who love to hit things and make loud noises. Bongo drum lessons are an easy way to introduce students to the world of drumming, rhythm and music.

The goal is listening for cues, hearing patterns and feeling rhythm and beat. Ideally, each student has their own drum. Begin with a simple repeat and answer pattern. You hit the drum two times, they repeat. Gradually add to the complexity of the patterns, so they must listen intently. Add some simple rhythms, such as 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1, with a strong emphasis on the 1.

Bongo lessons

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.

Dave Y. studied Afro-Cuban Percussion, Percussion and Drums at the University of Northern Colorado, the nation's 3rd largest Jazz school. He brings 17+ years of education and teaching experience to the table.

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 am a well-rounded drum teacher, meaning I have learned and studied genres ranging from blues, jazz, rock and indie rock. I will give you tons of music to listen to and interpret and teach you how to learn tunes by ear. You will understand the forms of jazz tunes such as aaba Aba and abc. You will learn how to play the tunes you listen to and take the concepts of drum beats and drum rudiments used within them o make them your own and use them in your original playing. I also teach how to read standard drum notation, and can teach you how time signatures work and the values of notes if you don’t already know.

Drum lessons are unique with me because of my background with all percussion makes lessons flexible and fun. I tailor my lessons to the students wants and desires while also building their technical skill in all areas of percussion so they can play everything while excelling at what they enjoy the most. This makes a very fun and educational experience.

Hey guys!

I offer such unique techniques & ways to advocate the best, most enjoyable way to learn.

Why should I take lessons?
Taking lessons with me ensures you will definitely have fun, be encouraged, motivated, maximize learning, and also become the most killing drummer. My skills & knowledge of percussion/drumset extends to all ages and talents. I’ve had experience with elite marching bands, drumlines, orchestras, concert ensembles, fusion bands, gospel, funk, rock, R&B, Jazz, country, metal, touring groups, & years of playing & teaching with other great musicians worldwide... If you are serious, and willing to become a great musician, sign up and lets make some music!

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the sheer joy on my students' faces after they, by the end of their first lesson, are playing a full on Rock Beat! Getting my students ready to start a band or preparing them for a major audition, college, conservatory or even a lucrative job, is very rewarding.