Bongo Lessons in Oxford. Amazing Teachers.

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 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!

Give anyone a drum and they will instantly know what to do. Drums are meant to be hit, and for those who love to hit things and make loud noises. Bongo drum lessons are an easy way to introduce students to the world of drumming, rhythm and music.

The goal is listening for cues, hearing patterns and feeling rhythm and beat. Ideally, each student has their own drum. Begin with a simple repeat and answer pattern. You hit the drum two times, they repeat. Gradually add to the complexity of the patterns, so they must listen intently. Add some simple rhythms, such as 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1, with a strong emphasis on the 1.

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.

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.

My experience speaks for itself. From Drum Corp to being on tour to studio work to theater shows there really is not much I haven't played or taught, I focus a lot on how to practice because not many people really know how to practice the right way to get the most out of their performance.