Van Nuys, CA Percussion Lessons

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Teaching Philosophy -

My teaching philosophy is built on well rounded communication, explanation and examples. So, that a student can truly understand and learn a topic, surrounded in a very humorous, light and supportive environment.
Along with being provided good information, a student learns better and feels more motivated to learn when there is a balance of positive support and confidence building accompanied by constructive criticism and examples/information that can help a student assess what ever walls they may be meeting in their musical growth.

I understand that all students/artists have different goals they wish to achieve. So it is very important to me to accommodate each individuals needs and wants to help them grow in the fields they wish too; However, In that I have played music for a long time, I understand there are certain things that a student may not have been exposed to yet; It is important that while focusing on a students artistic goals they respect and are open to the suggestion and guidance of their teacher.

I truly believe music has an amazing influence on the world and has the ability to change peoples way of thinking. Therefore, I try and keep an open awareness to all music, so that I can understand all different musical languages utilized to communicate to people, and I don't believe I will ever know them all. I hold it to attention to influence my students somewhat similarly so that they can shape the landscape of how we communicate musically in the future.

I also try and be very patient with my students. Knowing that when I feel rushed, it makes information more difficult to comprehend, remember and allocate. I love watching the gears run in my students head, so I try and provide information that pushes a student but is within their abilities.

HUMOR is very important. I like to break people out of their shell by telling a joke and hopefully getting one back, so they feel more comfortable and free. One of a Artists worst enemies are nerves. Keeping things light-hearted and maybe even a little small talk can be very helpful to a students development and growth on a topic. After all, Art is meant to be fun and we should enjoy every moment of it, in fact we should enjoy every moment in life period.

I understand music requires focus and discipline and I have certain expectation of a student to understand that and practice. You can't buy chops, you can't buy music theory etc. you can get help but eventually your the one who must understand it and play it.

I am here to help you. Based on what I know and what I have extensively studied, I will do all that I can to help you achieve your musical goals. I am here to answer your questions and help you grow. I love teaching because I love sharing knowledge; As long as your seek it, it is here for you. Otherwise, I'd still love to hear some jokes.

Education -

MUSIC
_Bachelors in Music - 2016 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Associates in Music - 2011 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Major in Music - (Academy for Visual and Performing Arts) - 2008
_Garden of Angels - 2003 - Performance Academy

DANCE
_Krump, Pop-n-Lock - 2012 - (Xtreme)
_Break Dancing - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_Traditional Brazilian Dance & Samba - 2014

MARTIAL ARTS
_Capoeira - Current - (Capoeira Batuque with Mestre Amen)
_Wing Tsun - 2013 - (Johnny from the Emin Boztepe School)

ART
_Graffiti - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_General Art - 2008 - (AVPA)
_Painting - 2003 - (Garden of Angels)

Much Love,
Azuri Zen M.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm very disciplined but am also very light hearted. It's important for me to assess things seriously, so that one can understand a topic or piece of information.

I generate my lessons based on the individuals needs and therefore draw from various curriculums, sources and examples, such as : MI curriculum for ear training, Theory, Single string Technique, Reading, Rhythm guitar, Ted Greenes Chord Chemistry, Berklee Guitar Method, as well as The Real Book, other artist books(Eric Clapton, etc.) The Guitar Players Hand Book, Bach pieces and self developed curriculums, relative to the topic at hand and students personal goals, amongst many others.

-Beginning students within three months of consistent lessons should have the ability to solo and playing chords to songs that they are interested in and songs provided in the lesson along with a basic understanding of the major scale and its relationship to all of the diatonic music.

-intermediate students should have an elevated understanding of scale and chord patters along with the theory that explains modal relationships and use of these concepts.

-Advanced students should learn all of diatonic scale shapes and modes assuming they don't already know them in which case their specifically situation will be assessed

-Professional students I expect to have specific questions therefore where they grow should be largely subjective.

Overall, in a short amount of time on a scale of 1 - 10 I expect to in three months at-least elevate a students musical abilities one full point if not more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio in home in private room with guitars, amps, piano, and seating.
Em's studio is family owned cafe with studio in finished basement with an office, recording equipment, and teaching space for acting and guitar.

*** Specialties ***
As a Musician I try and play as many styles and be proficient in as many as possible and therefore can play most. However, in the fields of blues, jazz, funk, flamenco and Latin I excel.

I help students who want to play on stage, in front of a audience prepare for it.
Another significant part of my education was studying the physiology of playing drums (or any musical instrument.) This had a major positive effect on my practice habits and i bring this info to my students in a "short and sweet" manner of explanation. I will give you the facts of improving on a musical instrument.

I also love the art of songwriting and been fortunate to win several songwriting awards with my band Cohesive in 2008, 2009 and 2010

*** Lesson Details ***
One of my lessons styles is designed to get you playing from your imagination. Improvisation inspired by the sounds you are creating. In that process I will give you important information about how you earned the sound, so you can always be inspired to create. This can be a fun method for many people. Others students favor playing 2 drumsets at the class and like to rely on the visual aspects of learning.

I have studied the physiology of playing a musical instrument in detail. I like to sprinkle in the facts while we are learning a pattern or piece of music. This knowledge can greatly enhance your practice results.
Students are Always welcome to share more specific things they are interested in working on. I enjoy teaching all drumset concepts including Linear style, Ghost Notes,
compound stickings, double bass style, rudiments, rudiment applications, soloing, ostinatos. I have a few highly recommended method books that work very well. I also really like when students bring in a song they like. My teaching style is a laid back style but i do love to discuss and exercise strong discipline to students who are open to it. 3 months into lessons you can expect to be playing a number of different beats and song(s). I am very good at recognizing the way you are most comfortable learning.
I also play piano and guitar and have access to both instruments at your lesson so we can jam when you want.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio rooms: several drum kits, computer, recording gear, PA sound system
Piano and Guitars. video taping lessons available

*** Travel Equipment ***
Drum Pad, Snare, Sticks
It would be good if student had a drum set at home but not completely necessary in the beginning.

*** Specialties ***
I am very accomplished on Drumset. I play and study all styles
Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, Fusion, Big Band, World and all drumset concepts Linear, Compound stickings, Ghost Notes, Rudiments and rudimental application. Rhythm/Timing, Physiology Soloing, Ostinatos, Odd Meters, Odd Note Groupings, 4 way co-ordination,

BASS, UKULELE, OR GUITAR at your pace under the care of a patient and experienced teacher.

You will get to play on your instrument EVERY LESSON, and I will have you rocking out to your favorite songs in no time at all.

I am currently accepting new students:

I differ from many of the other teachers offering music lessons
in a number of ways:

Playing and teaching are
two distinctly different crafts and I strive for excellence in both.

My passion for music is boundless and I am adept at motivating my students to achieve their personal musical goals whatever they may be.

I offer 1/2 hour or hour lessons in your Home or at my studio.

BFA - From Cincinnati Conservatory Music
• 20+ years experience

*** Studio Equipment ***
2 Drum sets, guitar, bass and ukulele, recording equipment to record your lessons if requested
 

*** Travel Equipment ***
GUITAR
If teaching Guitar i will provide my guitar but the student should have his/her own guitar.

UKULELE
I will provide my own Ukulele but the student should have his/her own Ukulele
.
BASS
I will provide my own Bass but the student should have his/her own Bass guitar.

DRUMS
Student must have a drum-set or snare drum to work on at their home.

PERCUSSION
Student must have some percussion instruments to learn on.

recording equipment to record you lessons if requested

*** Specialties ***
Drum: beginner - professional Guitar and Bass: beginner- intermediate

I can teach a variety of styles from Jazz to Metal to Bossa Nova and Cumbia. Ukulele Beginner-Intermediate I have been playing in many different bands both live and in the studio since the age of 14.

So I can cover a lot of ground when it comes to concepts and genres.

Neumann.

I attended the AVPA from 2006 to 2009 and have a degree in Psychology.

*** Lesson Details ***
In the lesson setting I want the student to become as comfortable with the drums as possible. I like to maintain a relaxed environment, allowing the student to move at his or her own pace. This in mind, I believe the fundamentals are the most important to learn.

Students will first learn the basic hand techniques needed for accomplished drum playing, before moving on to more complex ideas behind groove, and feel. Reading music and keeping effective time will be emphasized in early lessons.

I also like to teach students that drums are a musical instrument that is typically played with other musicians. A student will learn how to play and interact well with other musicians in a variety of musical settings.

I use a combination of books for teaching including:
Syncopation by Ted Reed
The All-American Drummer by Charley Wilcoxon
The Drummer's Bible by Mick Berry and Jason Gianni
Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone
I will also use various drum charts and exercises as well as the use of videos and recordings.

After 3 to 6 months a student will be able to read drum notation and rhythms at a competent level and will be able to play basic drum beats on the drum kit as well as have a basic understanding of how to play with other musicians in various styles of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment includes two drumsets, drum pads, sticks, and instructional material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Can bring drums if necessary, would prefer to bring a drum pad.
Expect the student to have drums.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Blues

occurs, I switch gears and move on to something else. In my opinion, if a student is getting very frustrated it is generally best to relax and try a different exercise or beat. If we can't enjoy ourselves then what is the point?!

*** Equipment ***
I expect a student to have at least a pair of sticks and a pad. Eventually they will need a metronome for practicing and if they are serious a drum-set at some point. If you'd like to learn hand percussion I recommend having a hand drum of some kind.

*** Specialties ***
The styles I teach are Rock, Jazz, Latin, R&B/Hip-Hop, Funk/Soul, Reggae, Folk/Indie, Metal/Hardcore and World Rhythms. I teach from the heart and develop a natural feel for my students. I also use multiple books mixed into my teaching.

ys admired traveling and performing live, and Terratour was the best opportunity to do so.

You may have notice I'm a Carpenters fan! I sing, play piano and drums. The Carpenters are my musical inspirations and that's exactly how I perform- with passion and tender, love, and care. I was once the other musical half of a Carpenters tribute band, Close To You. My friend and I learned many of the Carpenters tunes and collaborated with vocals, piano, steel drums, drums and other percussion. We have disbanded, but even before forming the band, I was always singing and playing drums/piano simultaneously on my own and still continue to.

I am available for online, in-home, or in-studio lessons. If your child younger than 5 can count to 10 and knows the alphabet, then I would be happy to add him/her to my roster. If you want to develop your talent, I can do that with you. You have all the ability and power to learn and be great- I'm just going to guide you all the way to your goal.

Please notify me of the special need prior to booking lessons so I can accommodate.

are unique for three main reasons:

1. I have a very deep understanding of music, sound, and theory, and feel music to be one of my native languages.

2. I have devoted considerable amounts of time and energy studying neuroscience, which has greatly improved my understanding of the learning process.

3. I have been blessed with the tremendous amount of patience necessary to guide a student through the necessary steps it takes to learn at whatever pace is optimal, in order to maximize the efficiency of the learning process for each individual.

*** Equipment ***
Students must have their own instrument, and purchase their own materials (books, etc). From time to time I make my way to a local music shop, and am happy to purchase materials for reimbursement.

*** Specialties ***
Classical music is my background, and what I believe to be the most cognitively and emotionally fulfilling style of music to study and play. That said, I'm also a big fan of pop music (as well as other genres), and encourage students to enjoy learning their favorite songs from the radio.

My understanding of music theory is extremely thorough, and I'm happy to incorporate as much or as little of it as the student's interest dictates, nevertheless maintaining the minimal amount of theory necessary to get the most out of learning music and the instrument.

Thanks for checking out my profile! Please contact me with any additional questions you may have, as well as to inquire about day/time availability. I'll do my best to get back to you right away (usually within a few hours).

a direction that will feedback into more learning and a drive to explore more styles of music.

schools, I have 3 things you can expect from me and 2 things I expect from you.
From me:
1) Fun! My experience learning music was always fun. My teachers often used humor and musical games to help teach concepts and refocus attention on the lesson. My teaching style is greatly informed by that style.
2) Challenge. There is no learning without challenge. In every lesson we will work on something that will challenge you and get you closer to your goal; a new song, concept, or technique.
3) Custom Lesson Plans. Different ages, different personalities, and different motivations all affect how lessons will be constructed. Lesson plans can range from mostly musical games with technique and music-theory sprinkled in, or the reverse of that.

Expected from you:
1) An understanding that what you get from lessons is what you put into them, or as I like to call it, practice. I do not hold hobbyist students to the same standard as professional students, but I do expect my students to practice as often as t their schedule and situation allows.
2) Questions! Please ask me questions. This will help me streamline your lessons and help me become a better teacher - both of which are of benefit to you!

Instruction from me includes fundamental technique and applied skills on guitar, drums, piano and percussion; music theory, music reading skills, ear training, music history; study of various musical styles including popular styles, classical, jazz and world music; improvisation, memorization techniques, self-motivation techniques, performance anxiety management, developing good practice habits, and body awareness techniques.
I also offer advanced technical studies for drum and percussion students in particular. Guitar and Piano students have the benefit of learning a solid foundation of technique, practice habits, performance anxiety management, theory and ear training.