Drum Lessons in Harrods Creek. Amazing Teachers.

You've got to walk before you can run, so I focus on the basics. But, the basics can be a lot of fun! Especially once we start to apply them to your favorite songs, and being creative with them - that's kind of what it's all about!

I have been playing drums for over 30 years. I have toured with bands, recorded albums and played with many different musicians. I have also learned to play other instruments such as guitar and piano. And I have found great amazement and wonder while continuously learning on this musical journey. I can give a wide perspective, not just from the drum throne. Drumming can be a very special part of your life. It does not have to be a career, but can be an amazing way to express yourself and learn about the world through many different rhythms and patterns. Music can be very formal, but there's also a lot of room for everyone to learn about improvisation and self expression.

I have developed a natural teaching method that focuses on learning and understanding the building blocks of drum set playing, familiarizing and connecting these building blocks, and applying them to individual expression. I have the ability to take nearly anyone without prior drum set or rhythmic experience, and, within days, turn them into beat playing drummers! My approach focuses on:
-building an understanding and relationship with each drum
-the basic rudimentary foundation of drumming
-how to approach the drums, hold the sticks, set up the drums, and tune the drums
-basic mechanical techniques
-development of each limb
-learning how to read basic drum charts and play to them
-learning and playing the most significant beats and patterns in the history of drum set
-gaining the ability to effectively teach oneself how to improve as a drummer
-learning your favorite songs on drums
-how to play in a band

Hello Students,
I have been playing most of my life. I started playing professionally at 17, playing with a number of professional bands playing all over Michigan. I have been teaching drum students since the age of 19, teaching well over 500 students to date.

Teaching students has been one of my passions with music. I hope to motivate my students to learn to play and love the drums as much as I do.

I work with each student on an individual basis to help them learn and understand drumming technique using books and techniques that will help to develop instinctive skills and ear technique.

I work with snare drum / rudimental technique with all my students and drum set technique, as most students want to learn how to play a drum set. Many of my students are in school band learning snare drum and percussion technique. Basic snare drum technique is important for any student to master and understand to learn to apply to snare drum and drum set technique.

Building a solid

For the past 40 years, I have had extensive experience touring and teaching around the world in Asia, Europe and the US. I have recorded 200+ CD's in Rock and Jazz. I am able to bring my vast experience to students enabling them to reach their potential and become the BEST players they can be!

My lessons are both fun and educational, with flexibility to honor each student's needs and goals. During my time as a drummer, I have had the pleasure of studying music with Dr. Richard Ripani, Eddie Bell, and renowned big band drummer Duffy Jackson in Nashville, TN. I graduated in May 2017 with a degree in Studio Music/Jazz Performance at UT Knoxville, studying with Professor Keith Brown. I want to pass on all the knowledge I gained from them to you! See you soon!