Bongo Lessons in Malden. Amazing Teachers.

Bongos are a great way for young students, even young children 4 or 5 years old, to develop coordination and strong sense of rhythm. I've played drums and percussion for over 15 years, in many different bands, styles, and genres. I studied music (classical guitar) at University of Central Florida and I've picked up many other instruments since. I love teaching instruments to students young and old.

I am a well-rounded drum teacher, meaning I have learned and studied genres ranging from blues, jazz, rock and indie rock. I will give you tons of music to listen to and interpret and teach you how to learn tunes by ear. You will understand the forms of jazz tunes such as aaba Aba and abc. You will learn how to play the tunes you listen to and take the concepts of drum beats and drum rudiments used within them o make them your own and use them in your original playing. I also teach how to read standard drum notation, and can teach you how time signatures work and the values of notes if you don’t already know.

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.

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.

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)