Drum Lessons in East Windsor Hill. Amazing Teachers.

Drum lessons for Rock, Blues, Country and Surf Rock

Hi! My name is T.J. and I am a professional drummer and educator currently living in Forest Park, IL. I received my B.A. in Jazz Studies from Elmhurst College in the Spring of 2019. I have been playing professionally in Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs for over five years now, and have played the drum set for 13 years.

I am very passionate about my craft, and absolutely love spreading that knowledge with others and inspiring them to the best of my ability. I am well versed in many styles, including Rock, Jazz,, Fusion, Funk, World Music, and Classical Percussion.

I am active in many bands, such as Instrumental Rock/Fusion band Elysian Green and Folk/Rock band Fleeting Suns (check either out on spotify!) I've been lucky enough to record and share the stage with famous Chicago musicians, such as Chris Siebold, Mark Colby, Frank Caruso, Jeremy Khan, and Marlene Rosenberg, among others. Some less-local musicians include Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Sean Jones, and Matt ...

I offer a comprehensive program that can accommodate any student's specific needs or interests. It is important to me that the student learns to play the drums for the sake of a musical context, rather than focusing on technique. I teach technique as a tool for making music. I aim to teach people how to be musicians first and foremost, and how to be drummers second.

Beginning to Intermediate Drum lessons and beats that are actually used in today's and yesteryear's "hit songs".

It's no secret, drums is the backbone or "foundation" to any hit song.

I break down drumming to its most basic rudiments so that you will grow by leaps and bounds instead of just crawling along.

You have to walk before you can run so getting it right initially is very important to moving forward and getting you playing your favorite songs quickly and accurately..

I am a professional percussionist and .educator I have been teaching private lessons since 2010 and is currently available to teach lessons at your home or in my home studio, and online.I have helped my students to learn how to read music, obtain good hand posture, develop their technique and musicality.
I received Bachelors of Music in Percussion performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University in 2015 and Masters Degree in Percussion Performance at the DePaul School of Music in 2018. I look forward to helping my new students achieve their goals.
Beginner students will learn how to read music, how to properly hold drum sticks, learn basic strokes, drumming techniques, beginning rudiments.
Intermediate and advanced students will learn how to improve their playing technique and virtuosity. They will also learn how to approach a specific piece of music; how to become expressive and creative with their skills.

No matter if you are a beginner starting from scratch or an adult who is looking to expand upon your abilities, I will customize each lesson to fit your interests and help you progress. I have extensive professional playing experience with several different orchestras and ensembles. I have also spent time behind a drumset and can teach you a variety of different styles. I can help you become the percussionist you want to be.