Drum Lessons in Palms. Amazing Teachers.

I have taught drums for eight years, and strive to provide each student with exactly what they need to excel. I have extensive training, both from CSUN as a Jazz Performance major and performing around the world in various groups. From basic technique, to advanced technical and musical studies, my wealth of knowledge and experience will help you improve immensely. I teach based on each individual student in order to provide you with the best and most fun learning experience.

Drumming for all ages and skill levels! Whether you are getting ready to play a show, getting ready for an audition, or are just playing drums as a hobby, I am here to teach you! With material from a wide range of sources i.e books, your favorite records, or videos from another drummer you idolize, you will master the art in no time. In my lessons you will learn to understand drum notation, read a drum chart, learn a song by ear and hopefully apply these to write your own songs! We will also cover concepts like stage presence so you can feel comfortable performing. Learning material in the drum shed is just half the battle, the other half is taking it to the stage and performing in front of an audience with your band. I am here to get those stage fright jitters out of your system so you can feel confident when you walk out on to that stage to rock.

Drums is my primary instrument, the one I chose to follow as a career in music. Drums make us dance, make us smile, and they are simply extremely fun to play. The most important thing I focus on is in playing music with the drums. There is nothing more rewarding and fun than playing with and for other people. Whether you are interested in learning how to play your favorite pop or rock song or a jazz standard, I can teach you what makes drumming unique in each style, and what you will need to know to express yourself in the instrument.

Having performed jazz, funk, rock, pop, and blues, among other genres, I use the fluidity between these inform each of my lessons. Whether a student is a beginner looking to play their favorite song on the radio, an intermediate looking for some rhythm theory to give them more options in their playing, or an advanced player looking for improvisatory techniques, I tailor each session to the desires of each student and their learning style.

My lessons are both fun and educational, with flexibility to honor each student's needs and goals. During my time as a drummer, I have had the pleasure of studying music with Dr. Richard Ripani, Eddie Bell, and renowned big band drummer Duffy Jackson in Nashville, TN. I graduated in May 2017 with a degree in Studio Music/Jazz Performance at UT Knoxville, studying with Professor Keith Brown. I want to pass on all the knowledge I gained from them to you! See you soon!

Craig tailors lessons to the needs and goals of the individual student whether they are a beginner or an advanced student. Being able to work with the students to reach their full potential by giving them a strong vocabulary and command on the instrument are areas he is able to shine on them, but more importantly make it fun while they are learning the instrument.