Willernie, MN Drum Lessons

ind out their goals and then show them the fastest and best way to reach those goals. As long as you follow instructions and practice, you can expect amazing results! Most of my students are in the top bands, make All-State auditioned groups, get highest ratings at Solo & Ensemble contests and know how to play!Even when time is a concern, I can still help you move forward. I always take where students are and show them how to get to the next step. I can move at any rate the student wants to move. I am committed to having them have fun and get better!

*** Studio Equipment ***
2 Drumsets, Timpani, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Bells, Snare Drums, marching drum pads, Congas, Timbales, Bongos, Auxiliary Percussion (too many to list) and also TV/Audio equipment to help with playing with music while we do lessons!

*** Specialties ***
I have a series of Rhythm books that are used in multiple schools. I also am well-versed in Drumset, Concert Percussion, Marching Percussion, Steel Drums, and Mallet Percussion

orm a wider range of music

*** Studio Equipment ***
Most instruments

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide an instrument, method book, stand and supplies for that instrument. I will bring an instrument to play along and model.

*** Specialties ***
Kodaly and Orff methods

and Miami University. I chose to attend North Texas. After school, I began studying in New York with Robbie Ameen, a truly great teacher. His instruction was so meaningful to me. I later took lessons with Kenwood Dennard which was a priceless experience. I studied with many of the greats in New York, including Joe Ascione, Joel Rosenblatt, John Riley, Kim Plainfield, Chris Parker, Jim Chapin, and, of course, my dad. Frank Bellucci was very helpful when I was experiencing pain in my right hand. There were many others including Mark Hymes for piano and Joe Cavallaro for vibraphone.

I have made a living playing various original, cover gigs and club-dates (Weddings) and in 1996 I joined Blood, Sweat and Tears and toured the U.S., Canada and South America. Playing with BS&T was a great experience for me, and certainly taught me how to deal with different personalities.

I've always worked - playing (both club-dates and music that I enjoy), teaching and producing. I run a recording studio now, which is perhaps my favorite place to be. I'm in there as much as possible.

Most recently, I spent three years touring Europe with The Healers!, a hard hitting blues band from New York.

Since 2006, I've been producing music for the Oprah Winfrey Show. While her show was on the air, you would often hear my drumming during the "Bumper Music" section in between commercial breaks or during guest introductions. I've also played on some film scores including The Christopher Walken movie, 5 Dollars a Day.

depth knowledge of different styles and genres, which I've accumulated through playing with a vast variety of bands and ensembles. Check out my website (http://synhavsky.tumblr.com/) for more information about my musical endeavors.

I love sharing my passion for drums with people of all ages and musical backgrounds. I provide a fun and stimulating learning environment in which students can foster their drum skills and grow their love of music.

*** Lesson Details ***
John provides a laid back atmosphere, ensuring that lessons are equal parts fun and education. Based on his teaching experience with a wide range of ages and experience levels, John tailors his curriculum according to his students' input and the exercises that are most effective. John can teach any number of drum set skills, from basic mechanics and music reading to advanced technique and improvisation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sound-Proof Studio w/ Full Drum Kit

*** Travel Equipment ***
Given the short duration of each drum lesson, I expect the student to provide all of the drums, cymbals, and hardware for which he/she desires to learn the instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Genres: Funk, Rock, Jazz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Latin-Jazz), Pop, Country, Hip-Hop; Sight-Reading; Rudiments; Improvisation; Technique

as learn at their own pace. My goal as a teacher is to give you an enjoyable experience in learning a new instrument and to tailor the lessons based on your interests and goals. After the first few months a beginner student can expect to have learned basic techniques and useful skills to allow them to play simple songs and melodies with ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in a studio with amps, acoustic guitars and electric guitars, ukuleles, along with fretless and fretted bass guitars, drums, microphones, recording equipment and software, are available for a student to use during the lesson time.

*** Specialties ***
Simplifying concepts and process. Breaking down elements of how to play Pop, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Rock, Folk etc.

and have become proficient in determining what skills each individual student needs to work on as well as helping students progress in their interests, keeping the lessons fun and the student motivated. I can easily transcribe any song as well! So any song you might want to learn, even if there is no sheet music, is totally doable. I love working in odd time signatures and I prefer fancy hi-hat work over heavy double-bass drum use. Progressive / Indie rock is my favorite genre of music to play, but I have tons of fun playing hip-hop, punk, metal, I dabble in jazz, Latin rhythms, and pretty much anything else. I'm always excited to play drums, and I pass this excitement on in my teachings.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons and curriculum's are built around a students experience level, age, and goals. Students will learn the fundamentals of drumming, as well as the ability to add flair and pizzazz to their playing. Within the first 3 months, a beginning level student will have the ability to play basic beats found in many styles of music, as well as feeling comfortable playing to a metronome and keeping time. Lessons will include routines to be practiced by the student on their own time, as well as fun, exciting techniques to keep students interested and motivated to continue playing.
Each Lesson will hold its own highlights depending on the student. I believe getting to know the student and their goals for their drumming is one of the most important aspects of teaching lessons. Understanding whether the student is looking to drum as a hobby and for fun will change the lesson style dramatically compared to a student looking to make a living off drumming. The types of routines, styles and techniques taught should fit into helping the student reach their desired destination.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the basement, full band rehearsal set up with 2 drum kits, one for the student, one for the teacher in an acoustically treated room.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to have a drum set and drum sticks. I can provide a drum set for lessons but it is important for the student to have a drum set or practice pad to practice.

*** Specialties ***
I have touched on almost every genre of music. I specialize in rock, progressive rock and fusion.

h questions and answers. I have found this to be the most productive, as the student remains actively engaged with the lesson. I incorporate other instruments into my lessons; this helps the student understand music as a whole and how their parts fits in. For example, I often reference other percussion instruments and melody instruments when listening to recordings. I also will play simple bass or piano lines to accompany the drum set groove played by the student. With todays technology, I stress the importance of recording and critiquing oneself. I offer this as a part of my lessons.

I love playing drums and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with you!