Bongo Lessons in Mead. Amazing Teachers.

Dave Y. studied Afro-Cuban Percussion, Percussion and Drums at the University of Northern Colorado, the nation's 3rd largest Jazz school. He brings 17+ years of education and teaching experience to the table.

I am thrilled to hear that you or your kid is ready to start taking drum lessons! I have been teaching drum set and percussion for eleven years, and last year finished my master's in percussion performance at CU, after a music education degree in Michigan.

I start students off with "repeat after me" style exercises to develop technique, coordination, and musical tone on the instruments. Then, we can dig into playing the music (s)he loves! I'm always curious to hear if there is a certain band or drummer my student admires?

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. I put my all in the student who is in front of me because I believe time is an essential asset to lessons. Also, every case is so uniquely different in terms of students and I take a good amount of time to calibrate the learning style of every student.

As an educator, I strive to provide my students with the tools that they will need to explore the direction that they want to take with their instrument. This can include from enjoying drumming as a hobby, performing in small jazz ensembles, recording electronic and acoustic drums in major recording studios, to performing with a full orchestra! There is literally no limit to what you can do.

My focus is to get hobbyists to enjoy performing drums in the comfort of their own home or with friends, and to have my professionally-minded students go out into the world of performing and recording music. All of these environments are where the ultimate joy of playing an instrument can be expressed.

As a gigging and studio musicians, I understand what it takes to get to the stage or studio, apply oneself in that environment, and come away with a satisfying experience that you can then build upon for the rest of your life.

I curtail each lesson to the Students needs no matter what level to go at their pace, and yet give them the tools necessary to improve proficiently and quickly. I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with drummers of all backgrounds and experience level, and take immense pride in watching my students grow and improve in their craft!

The drums are the backbone of most music, so you have to be able to feel the groove and stay tight and on top of the beat. I encourage students to pick their favorite songs, and we drum to those while learning proper technique, rudiments, song form, fills, rhythm, different grooves / beats, and anything they want to know about the drums. I have been playing the drums for over sixteen years and have a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Berklee College of Music. Drums is a beautiful art and form of expression and is just the tip of the iceberg we can tackle called Music.