Bongo Lessons in Old Lyme. Amazing Teachers.

Hands on technique on basic tones for a variety of drums, most importantly yours.
Learn tuning, tone and intervals.
Stylistic and traditional rhythms as well as exercises to lay a solid foundation to build your skill on. Personal and fun to play at any level and in different styles.

My experience as a performer and teacher spans over 25 years of just about every musical style. I believe in creating an environment that is focused on playing music well and where the student can have fun while gaining confidence. It is important to develop functional musicians with good technique, time, and listening skills. We will cover all styles of music that use congas/bongos from Latin music to Afro-Cuban as well as rock/pop, including jazz, and others styles as desired.

Bongos:
Are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. Together with the conga or tumbadora, and to a lesser extent the batá drum, bongos are the most widespread Cuban hand drums, being commonly played in genres such as Cuban son, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz.
In class we will be focusing on different hand techniques, placement
and rhythms. Starting with the basics, from the first class we will begin to use these techniques to play along with songs.

I teach drumset reading , rudiments, technique and how to play beats your favorite songs, From 1st lesson you play to real band songs.
I am full time pro drummer and can show you how to play in a band.
Learn how to solo, play rock, jazz, AFRO CUBAN beats.

Hello Everyone! I have been teaching for over 10 years now (private lessons, drumline tech, Percussion Director at 2 different 6A High Schools in Texas).

All Ages Welcome!

Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student!

Experience:

Bachelor's in Music Education, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
- Studied with (2011-2016):
- Robert Lopez (Austin Symphony Orchestra)
- THE Butch Miles (Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr.)
- Wayne Salzmann, II (UT-Austin, Eric Johnson)

Master of Music in Jazz Studies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Studying with (2020 - ):
- Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Stan Kenton, Steps Ahead, Diana Krall)
- Will Kennedy (The Yellowjackets)

I follow a mindfulness based approach to teaching which includes breathing techniques, body connections and fluidity with all aspects of drumming. Finding how each student learns most effectively, i.e. auditory, visual, kinesthetic, hybrid I develop a range of practice techniques to being each student to their maximum potential. Rooted in classical and world music I have the tools to teach any style of music on drum kit or hand drums. In addition, I have over 15 years of experience working at the United Nations International School in New York City.