Glen Burnie, MD Bongo Lessons

Focus on basic technique, rhythm, and creativity.

I can teach fundamental technique, patterns, and fills necessary to play popular forms of african, carribean, and central and south american styles.

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.

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.

Andrew has recorded as the bongocero with Grammy nominated Wayne Wallace. If you're looking to increase your bongo skills for a salsa band, or for a pop setting, Andrew can help you reach your goals.

The drums are the backbone of most music, so you have to be able to feel the groove and stay tight and on top of the beat. I encourage students to pick their favorite songs, and we drum to those while learning proper technique, rudiments, song form, fills, rhythm, different grooves / beats, and anything they want to know about the drums. I have been playing the drums for over sixteen years and have a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Berklee College of Music. Drums is a beautiful art and form of expression and is just the tip of the iceberg we can tackle called Music.

As an educator, I strive to provide my students with the tools that they will need to explore the direction that they want to take with their instrument. This can include from enjoying drumming as a hobby, performing in small jazz ensembles, recording electronic and acoustic drums in major recording studios, to performing with a full orchestra! There is literally no limit to what you can do.

My focus is to get hobbyists to enjoy performing drums in the comfort of their own home or with friends, and to have my professionally-minded students go out into the world of performing and recording music. All of these environments are where the ultimate joy of playing an instrument can be expressed.

As a gigging and studio musicians, I understand what it takes to get to the stage or studio, apply oneself in that environment, and come away with a satisfying experience that you can then build upon for the rest of your life.

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.

LESSON DETAILS

• Drums Course open to Children and Adults. Preparatory approach for different formative experiences
• Arguments : A Journey through Music from Classical to Rock, through Jazz Idiom and Funk Music.
• Improvisation Research Program including studies on the role of Drums comping in Modern Music.
• My work envolves elements for Music Therapy and Music Education for Kids.
• The drums and hand-percussion classes are a fun and practical way to learn the insight essence of Music: Rhythm.


TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & PROGRAM :

• Musicianship and Music Appreciation
• Drums Workout - History (Rudiments) , Physical alignment and Breathing Technique.
• Music History and Composers From Western Classical World to Rock and Pop Music
• Preparing repertoire: choosing different styles, composers, levels.
• Playing along Music Repertoire : orchestras, bands.
• Interpretation and body movements
• Sight- reading development
• Rhythm practice
• Working on develop the muscle memory of Music ...

Drum lessons are unique with me because of my background with all percussion makes lessons flexible and fun. I tailor my lessons to the students wants and desires while also building their technical skill in all areas of percussion so they can play everything while excelling at what they enjoy the most. This makes a very fun and educational experience.