San Diego, CA Percussion Lessons

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

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.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can travel with a sax, flute, guitar, electric bass, and a didgeridoo....

*** Specialties ***
I'm a jazz musician! But I listen to and perform all styles of music. I have written string quartets, been the front man for a funk band, and recorded every style of music under the sun. I can teach Bach and the Beatles and explain how/ and why they intersect and are similar musically.

was principal percussionist and drumline captain throughout my high school career participating in the concert, symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. I was selected for All-State Jazz Band during my senior year and went on to study music education at the University of Georgia while being selected for a slot in the Redcoat Marching Band and the University Steel Drum Band during my freshman year. I completed my music business degree from Georgia State University, while studying under world class teachers like Jack Bell, principal percussionist for Atlanta Symphony for over 30 years.
Throughout my career, I continue to be influenced, inspired, and taught through private lessons, master classes, videos, books, and recordings from David Garibaldi, Simon Phillips, Rod Morgenstein, Neil Peart, Gregg Bissonette, Jerry Fields, Jim White, John Lawless, Billy Degnats, Eric Darken, Gary Chaffee, Kim Plainfield, Chuck Silverman, Steve Houghton, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Porcaro, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Tito Puente, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Vinx, and Zorro.
As your drum teacher, I can help students excel in school music programs to pursue scholarships, transform the garage band into a gig-ready act, bring laughter and joy for special needs, encourage senior citizens trying something new with music in their golden years - all of these scenarios and more with the ultimate goal to coach you to becoming the creative musician you dream of becoming based on the musical artists that inspire you. Let's get started today.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'll have you playing and understanding rhythmic concepts right away. I love to start lessons off by learning from my students who their favorite drummer is or what music track inspires them. Then we turn "I wanna do that!" into "I can do that!"
I customize each lesson to each particular student's goals, although I have many solid foundation concepts and exercises that I employ at the appropriate times. I keep the lessons extremely positive and encouraging, but I will drive and challenge my students to help them find joy in pushing themselves through a difficult new concept or overcoming a physical hurdle.
I try to broaden my students' appreciation for multiple genres of music with a lot of historical or anecdotal stories which fit within the context of whatever contemporary methods we are actually studying. As much as possible, I incorporate technology into our lesson time with click track (metronome), play-along music, and other developmental tools.
Listening is a critical skill that I constantly emphasize, and yes, I do assign "homework" between lessons, but I make the assignments fun and they usually help to quickly unleash the creative spirit of each student!
My greatest joy is when a student has a band performance I can watch or a positive audition experience I can celebrate with them after having helped them prepare for the event.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drum kit, multiple hand percussion instruments, PA system, practice pad kit, dry erase boards, and multi-media.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students should have a new three-ring binder or a spiral notebook to track weekly lessons and assignments. Ideally, students should have sticks/mallets, a snare drum, drum set, hand percussion (bongos, conga, djembe, cajon), or perhaps a school-supplied instrument. If none of those items are owned or available, that's not a problem. I can provide practice pad(s) and or small drum and percussion supplies to help us get started until students/parents can invest in their own gear later on based on their specific interests.

*** Specialties ***
Drum Set - Musicality & playing drum beats from day 1. Also, reading music & rhythmic training.

Percussion - School band and concert percussion (such as bells, xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone). Prep for auditions. Drum maintenance, tuning, and various hand percussion (conga, bongos, cajon, djembe, tambourine, etc.).

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.

ue-Afro-Haitian-Afro-Cuban and Modern
African drumming and percussion: Jembe and shekere with song and folklore.

ademy, and also maintain a private clientele. Well into a thousand lessons taught, students have stayed with me for up to 7 years. You, the student, will gain all the experience I have gained from my 20 years of study, performance, and instruction.

Performing with various bands in the 2000's, I pinpointed my style and mastered my technique that gave me many performance opportunities regionally and nationally, noting most current act U2 tribute Vertigo USA.

I am co-founder of the music licensing production company Blue Shade Music, co-writing with astute musicians in the Chicago area for music libraries in Florida and California currently.

With national and international touring experience, I was featured in an exclusive interview for Online Drummer in August of 2011 sharing my knowledge and experience of music and drums.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to have a fun and educational time with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Practicing everyday with an occasional day off is very important in the student's progress. I always say 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes.

For DRUM lessons, the student can expect to learn:
*to read music notation and music charts
*to read drum notation
*songs by real bands
*timekeeping via a metronome
*hand technique and foot technique
*rudiments
*all styles of music
*double bass
*drum grooves and drum fills
*marching band/concert band material (if involved in school)

For PIANO lessons, the student can expect to learn:
*to read music notation
*to read music charts/lead sheets
*music theory
*intervals
*chords and inversions
*chord progressions
*scales
*fingering
*styles of blues, jazz, pop, rock, and traditional
*songs you wish to learn

For GUITAR + BASS lessons, the student can expect to learn:
*to learn to read music notation
*to learn to read a music chart
*music theory
*scales
*chords
*chord progressions
*fingering
*styles of pop, rock, and blues
*songs you wish to learn

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide no equipment. The student must have an acoustic or electric drum set, a practice pad, a music stand, a metronome, sticks, curriculum book(s), headphones, an acoustic or electric guitar, and an acoustic or electric piano.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Funk, Blues, RnB, Soul, Country, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Metal

**Travel available for in home lessons up to 15 miles pending location, scheduling, and availability. 2 weeks or more notice is required for discontinuation of lessons.**

mony, shares the basic tenets of the Suzuki method, and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

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.