San Diego, CA Percussion Lessons

vided me with the foundation for a teaching career that is now into its 25th year.

Outside the practice rooms, I'm an on-call, independent performer / contractor and clinician. Some of my credits include performances/recordings with Jon Anderson of Yes, Award winning songwriter Maia Sharp, (Bonnie Raitt, The Dixie Chicks), nationally recognized blues band Pryor Baird and the Deacons, and many other noteworthy talents. I've also performed for various stage productions in the Los Angeles area, such as Little Shop of Horrors, How to Succeed in Business, and Once Upon A Mattress.

Currently, Matt can be found performing with what many call "the ultimate Santa cover band" Santana Ways as well as a number of other musical projects.

I work hard to implement teaching techniques that encompass all styles of drumming and performance. Sight reading, rudiments, chart interpretation, soloing, hand/foot control, independence, and working in a band are just a few areas of focus. It may sound like it's difficult - but you can do it all and I'll prove it to you. 25 years of teaching experience has not only taught me patience but has given me the tools to encourage, develop and refine the abilities of any student. (And that means you :)

*** Lesson Details ***
Don't worry. First things first, you're going to make mistakes so don't be afraid to. If you don't make any mistakes during a lesson, you can go ahead and teach me. I'm really laid back with my approach to lessons: we'll talk, we'll play, I'll explain a few things and boom - you're playing' drums better than ever.
If experience has taught me anything, it's that a student can not be forced to practice. However, even the younger students understand the idea of "you get out of it, what you put into it". I pride myself in being able to make lessons enjoyable and thereby the student is going to want to learn more and in turn, practice more. I will give you all you can handle - when you're ready.
Playing to music is essential - it's what we're going to strive to do right? Students should try to have an MP3 player of some sort: Ipod, ipad, smart phone etc.. I'll bring one just in case so we can plug in, listen to your jams and play.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students should have their own drums. Minimum of a practice pad and Drum Sticks. (Available if needed). Music paper and a folder or binder.

*** Specialties ***
Drummers need to be versatile and more often than not, versatility is limited by two factors: physical independence and music interpretation. Out of the gate, I focus on these two hugely important aspects of modern drumming so that the student may better pursue their desired style with as much freedom and knowledge as possible.

where he teaches drum set.

Weller maintains a busy teaching and performance schedule. He can be seen playing regularly around the Southern California area with groups such as Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra, Big Time Operator and HM3.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide their instrument and all necessary equipment, along with their music and a quiet space for the lesson. If it is a private lesson on drums or piano, I can provide the instruments.

*** Specialties ***
I have been in a number of professional playing positions, and am comfortable teaching styles such as Jazz, Rock, Latin, Classical, Show Music and more.

Will provide sheet music and exercises. My students should have a working instrument as well as any method book or sheet music we are working on.

*** Specialties ***
I teach all styles and genres

y of drum set styles.

Rock, Jazz and Folk Music of your choice. Today's modern new guitars are easy to play and you will enjoy learning Guitar right away. That is how it should be.
When you study there is a basic understanding of Guitar to be learned that allows an ease of use for anyone for years to come. This will help you reach your goal and improve each week. My students learn to practice in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense. This takes all the stress out of learning and gives everyone something to smile about and look forward to each week.

The good feeling of playing along with friends and taking a solo is within every students grasp. I will show you the way there. And with a solid and straightforward approach to the theory as it applies directly to the guitar you will feel confident and unafraid of any music endeavor. We'll cover harmony and fingerboard theory and give you a road map of the guitar neck that makes it a pleasure to play. You learn the basics and much more than you thought possible retaining 90 percent of what you learn!

Having been a student myself I was deeply involved in music since age 12 and played in bands and duos for over 15 years . I can help you to be a well rounded player and performer with a smile, a laugh and a joy for music whether your in a band or a budding solo artist.

*** Lesson Details ***
Most students want to play the Guitar to play their favorite songs and I'm the same way. Music is something we carry with us in our hearts and minds. Students will learn what they wish to learn and work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Whether you are a student, “weekend warrior” or a parent whose child has expressed an interest in Guitar anyone can learn all there is to know about Harmony and Theory for the Guitar and how to play their favorite songs.

We cover theory in an easy and straightforward no nonsense way in the first half of each lesson and then apply it to the song you wish to learn. This creates an atmosphere where you understand and feel at home with the Guitar. You get an understanding right away and because it is immediately fun it allows you to feel comfortable at any level. Music is fun, and songs are the creative expression of what we feel. Combining theory and the freedom to play and sing songs allows us to express ourselves through music. 
After 6 months students will have a solid foundation in theory, and a road map of the guitar fretboard enabling them to advance to an intermediate level if they are ready to do so. Students will know enough that music as it relates to the Guitar, which is the world’s most popular instrument in contemporary music, is not a mystery but is a welcome friend. And they will be able to play songs by popular artists and advance at a pace that is satisfying and enjoyable.
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Student Comments:
What Students Are Saying About ~ James Teaching Style

“James’ patience, knowledge and under-standing made learning guitar fun. I like the lessons. He cares.”
--Rebecca L., guitar
student, Venice Beach, CA 2003

“James taught me to
play pop and rock, and
introduced me to
fingerstyle guitar. I love it!”
--Joseph E., guitar student, Vancouver, BC 2006

“I studied guitar privately with James in 2010. His style of teaching helped me to get
past my blocks. He opened new doors for me. Thanks!”
--Daniel S., guitar
student, Los Angeles, CA 2010
""James is a trustworthy man, great with answering back right away. Always ready to help with new members. I would definitely recommend him." ~ PJ Stover of PJ Stover Voices; Independent Film & Recording voice-over artist
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What James spouse says about working on songwriting with him:

"James is my husband for over 10 years now. Over the years, I have seen James give guidance and counsel to many hopeful musicians of all ages, and inspire others about how music influences and benefits our lives. I would highly recommend James to anyone who wants to learn guitar, voice, music theory, and acting. James is a great talent, and study with him would benefit anyone with the sincere desire to grow as an artist. When we married, I had fallen in love with James’ conversational style, and his vast knowledge of music. When I heard him play guitar, I knew that I wanted to write songs with him, and we released our first album, in 2012 on iTunes."

Regards,
Keri W.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ovation Glen Campbell Artist Acoustic Electric Guitar, Ovation Pacemaker 12 string Guitar, Ibanez PF 5 Acoustic Electric Guitar, Fender Telecaster 6 string Electric Guitar. Korg Mini Pandora III Amplifier/Studio EFX, Toshiba Laptop Satelite Pro with PreSonus Studio One Artist Software, PreSonusUSB Audiobox, HD7 Studio Monitor Headphones, M7 Condenser Mic, PreSonus Studio Producer software with SoundCloud integration, iBook G4 with Garageband 3 and iLife Studio. Godin Summit CT Electric Guitar is the guitar I now endorse exclusively !

*** Travel Equipment ***
Lesson Plans, Godin Summit CT Guitar, Fender and Ovation Guitars, Tuner, Android Smartphone and apps, iPads, Korg Mini Pandora Amp, Toshiba Satelite Pro Laptop. Android LG Smartphone with Tuners, Voice Recorder, and Metronome and Chord Reference Guide, and Guitar Tuner, iPod Touch Pro Studio.

*** Specialties ***
Songs in the following styles: Pop, Rock and Modern Country Music. Also Composition Analysis while learning the song.

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

e. I also like using songs by classic artists like The Beatles as they can provide a perfect (fun and familiar) platform to learn many different aspects of drumming and musical performance.
In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, I have a strong background in music theory and I want to make sure my students not only know how to play their instrument, but also become familiar with reading and writing music.

After a few months taking lessons, you or your child can expect to have a better understanding of music and have acquired the basic tools and techniques which will allow you to play your favorite pieces of music.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For drum set lessons, I will provide my own acoustic drum set as needed. It is highly preferred that the student have a drum set at their location. The student should also supply a location in which to have a private lesson.

*** Specialties ***
All styles of drumming

*** Curriculum ***
My curriculum changes depending on the student's ability level, age, and instrument of choice. I typically use a method book for reinforcement of musical fundamentals, and a supplementary "project" piece of music that the student enjoys playing and learning. I do this so that my students can see direct connections between music fundamentals and playing music that they enjoy. My own personal knowledge and experience as a musician is always added to each lesson as well.