Sonoma Music Lessons

as directed special week-long drum and percussion focused ensemble productions at Drake High School and Marin Academy and was Music Director at Cascade Canyon (K-8) School for two years where he directed variety shows and produced scores for the drama department. In his teaching practice all ages are welcome and all levels including: beginners, intermediate students, advanced players, and professionals.

*** Lesson Details ***
My approach to drum lessons is simple. I want my students to be excited about every stage of the process. I want to be as productive as possible with each student and want the lessons to be fun and focused.
I want beginning students to learn the essentials of good posture, correct hand positions or grips (how to hold the sticks in matched and military grip), how to best use their hands and feet to get around the drumset and to then develop a solid foundation of applicable rudiments, rhythms and patterns. In fact,
I have master drumset rudiments that help facilitate fluid movement around the drums in all directions. My studio is equipped with a top level TAMA drumset with Zildjian cymbals, congas, timbales, hand percussion, piano, vibes, excellent recording and listening equipment and speakers.
I provide the necessary foundations of rudiments, rhythms, patterns and grooves. Then I show how to combine these essentials to the drumset. I combine these developments with essential reading studies so the student learns to read drum music and charts from the very beginning.
I find out what kind of music the student listens to and likes and then I will use some of the more familiar tracks by those artists to help the student apply each pattern stylistically into actual arrangements…like a guitar teacher would teach some scales and chords, then apply them to actual songs. That way the student will remember the different patterns and remained engaged in the process. It’s a “see, say and do” approach.
I have a saying that I use: “FREEDOM follows FUNCTION and function follows FORM.” First you learn the forms (rudiments, rhythms and patterns). Then, with practice, you become functional with the forms, rhythm patterns and combinations. Then you are free to use everything you learn as it relates to the music. Your are “free” to create and improvise both alone and with others.

Within six month my students will have a firm grasp of essential rudiments, rhythms, patterns, sticking, single and double bass drumset techniques and be reading charts for the drumset.
Later on, as part of the student’s development, I will introduce them to different styles of music including jazz, African, Afro-Cuban, Latin and Brazilian rhythms and patterns so that the student becomes a well-rounded player.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My Private Studio is on the first floor of my house: there is a six-piece professional series TAMA drumset and an assortment of K. and A. Zildjian cymbals, a piano, set of vibes, timbales, congas, bongos, djembe and a variety of hand percussion. There are additional chairs to sit on, Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Five and six piece drum sets, hard cases, three congas with cases, bongos in a hard case, timbales in a hard case, trap case for stands, cymbal case and stick bag.

*** Specialties ***
Trapset all styles, African djembe and shekere, Latin congas and timbales, Indian tablas.

c, from San Francisco State University. By now, I am confident in working with whatever musical material students offer! Thank you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher, but I definitely expect students to practice what I suggest they practice. I advise that students use method books or sheet music of some sort, and I will certainly make notes for them and create materials they can learn from. I always teach based on the goals of the student and what type of music they enjoy, but I also like to guide the student in a direction I think would benefit them. I usually introduce music to play right away, conforming of course to the skill level and interest of the student. I now play seven-string guitar, which is just a six-string guitar (same tuning and technique) with an extra low string. It will be practical to aide students by accompanying with a bass range instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar
I consider myself a Jazz musician, but I am happy to consider a very wide range of styles. I am focusing now on music of the Spanish Golden Age, 1500-1700.

is to convey to my students the beauty of making music. I define success to be the ability to see the joy that playing for yourself and others brings to you and your audience.

*** Lesson Details ***
My Method and Goals:

Proper technique is the key to producing extraordinary sound and growing as a violist. I ensure that my students gain solid understanding of these fundamentals first and foremost.
A significant part of the first few lessons will be devoted to developing proper posture and hold of the instrument. A good violinist must be relaxed to prevent muscle tension and produce those rich, spellbinding notes. Soon the instrument begins to feel like an extension of the hands, and students begin to progress much quicker, seeing (and hearing) surprising results.
I can follow the Suzuki method if requested, but much prefer principles of the Russian School. I will be happy to discuss the benefits of each with you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
on ground floor of townhouse w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student has to have his own instrument. I can provide the music sheets

*** Specialties ***
Classical music. Mostly traditional Russian method of violin teaching, also Suzuki.

and easygoing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Have guitars and amps, basses and amps, drum set, microphones and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Have equipment

*** Specialties ***
Rock, World, Hip Hop, Folk, Electronica, Classical, Jazz

ide-ranging in terms of both ages and skill levels. Beginning drummers can expect to develop a solid foundation on rock beats and fills while playing along to some of their favorite bands/artists and having fun doing it! We will also make sure you are playing with proper technique and staying fluid and relaxed as you get used to the motions required between your limbs.

Intermediate and advanced students will dive into the deep end as we explore a wide range of topics including linear drumming, jazz swing and improvisation, funk and latin grooves, drum soloing, double bass drumming, rudiments and snare drum solos, recording drums, and much more!

The most important aspects of teaching for me are to keep our lessons fun, exciting, and to never lose track of why we picked up this instrument in the first place. I am here to help you achieve your greatest drumming goals and look forward to working towards them together!

rofessional recording artists and performers each lesson incorporates the latest vocal science and research to develop vocal skills. Ali's focus is building vocal techniques, performance skills and creative development. Keeping your voice healthy, fixing vocal strain and eliminating breaks are just a few issues we will identify and help you find your true voice and potential.
Lessons detail: effective vocal warm up exercises, vocal strengthening and endurance training, breathing control, learning how to belt, posture, stage performance coaching, artist development, music theory, develop your song repertoire and musicianship skills.