Belton, MO Drum Lessons

on and that learning to play music should be fun!

*** Specialties ***
Whatever style the student is attempting, I stress proper technique and understanding of theory.

riginal rock bands formed with musicians from the local music scene.

Mark studied classical and rudimental snare drum performance at the Murray Spivack School for Snare Drum and funk, jazz, rock and Latin drumming under the tutelage of Irv Kluger, Chuck Silverman and Richie “Gajate” Garcia.

Mark’s first big break came in 1986 when he toured with the legendary Hollywood based hard-rock band Masque, which included the famous circuit clubs in Los Angeles supporting such artists as Warrant and Poison. Shortly after, Mark spent two years performing and recording with MTV favorites D.R. Starr and the M.D.’s, securing his place as one of Los Angeles’ “go to” drummers.

Drum lessons with Mark are informative, results-driven and loud at times! “Together, you and I will develop an ‘Individualized Learning Program’ designed just for you,” says Mark. “We’ll work at your level and at your pace – and we’ll have fun doing it!” Mark has been working successfully with students as young as 5 years of age. Beginning students will be playing basic drum beats during their first lesson and playing along to songs within several lessons. Experienced students will further develop reading chops, grooves, fills and rudiments.

To date, Mark has recorded and performed with numerous rock acts and is active in the local music scene. In addition, Mark is a two-time Las Vegas Rock Hall of Fame inductee.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can travel with a sax, flute, guitar, electric bass, and a didgeridoo....

*** Specialties ***
I'm a jazz musician! But I listen to and perform all styles of music. I have written string quartets, been the front man for a funk band, and recorded every style of music under the sun. I can teach Bach and the Beatles and explain how/ and why they intersect and are similar musically.

ld percussion make Will a highly sort after entertainer and educator. He has been an artist in residence at many schools and Universities over the course of his 25 years of instructing. He is actively performing and teaching both locally in Metro Atlanta and online.

*** Lesson Details ***
For most of us drummers and rhythmatists we cannot go an hour without banging something or tapping or humming or moving.. if this describes you or your child then Im the guy who would be delighted to foster your development in your lifelong pursuit of the ultimate beat. I cannot give you God given talent , but I can take what talent god has given you and accentuate the positive. Work with you on fundamentals, technique, timbre, timing, tuning, sight reading..the list goes on..Its a lifelong pursuit..How long you choose to pursue it is up to you.. Im here to be your mentor.

Im pretty laid back with teaching discipline. Either you got it or you dont. I cannot push you or force you into practicing.. You must inherently love music and love rhythm and love drumming or percussion. If I am working with you on Kit drumming you will be starting out with the basics unless you have experience. I normally do an assessment to determine where you are at.. If I am teaching you hand percussion or African or Asian based drums then its strictly an aural based learning experience. No books just memorization. Kit drumming will require either you have your own Drum kit if I am coming to your house or of you travel to my studio I will have 1 drum kit to share , but you must have your own sticks. I do employ books in Drum Kit lessons. I will give you the names of the books based on what I think your level is and we can go from there..

Music is a complex yet beautiful language. Once you are immersed in the culture of the beat your journey thus begins. And journeys like these last a lifetime. I hope I can be a part of your experience.

Many Blessings
One Rhythm
One Love

*** Studio Equipment ***
Medium Size Studio Room at Buddha Bike & Drum
6215 Johns Creek Commons- Johns CReek, Georgia 30097 with One complete drum set . The studio room is sound proofed. Students must bring their own sticks and any books required during the time of the lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have percussion, I have my own sticks, students should have their own drum kit and any percussion gear they want to learn

*** Specialties ***
Steeldrum or Pan, World Percussion: West African, Latin American, SE Asian, Chinese and Japanese

different concepts they incorporate
3 Ear-training/pitch recognition. Strengthening the ability to "pick up" new material more quickly and translate ones Ideas to the instrument.
4 Music appreciation/Musicality. Listening to new and different types of music focusing on the different elements that make up a great performer/performance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Studio: piano, stereo system, no drum there! room to sit for parents
A1: drum kit, whole performance set up with recording studio, room for parents to sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
amplifiers, cd/mp3 player

*** Specialties ***
ear training, most musical styles (pop/rock, r&b, reggae, jazz , world)

n. I am an accomplished composer/songwriter with many published and recorded songs and instrumental works through ASCAP. I endeavor to make learning fun, and enjoy teaching students of all ages!

Online student requirements: A fast, reliable COMPUTER; HIGH SPEED INTERNET (at least 400 kbps); SKYPE software; WEBCAM (preferably HD); MICROPHONE (most laptops or tablets have mikes built in). Be sure your camera is focused on you and your instrument, if applicable.

g, weight lifting, history, traveling, movies and web design. Fun teacher who loves to help others learn to play an instrument.  

*** Lesson Details ***
Instructor teaches both drums and guitar, depending on the student. This is unique because if you're studying drums, the teacher plays along on guitar. If you're studying guitar,the teacher can play along on the drums. In this way you learn to play in a band rather than just learning to play an instrument. Most importantly, it's fun!The focus for new students is to quickly teach them to perform in a band. For beginning guitarists, this means learning power chords, simple songs, and 2 scales, eventually progressing to more advanced songs and techniques. Most beginning drum students start by learning basic rock beats, and songs, eventually progressing to advanced fills, techniques and styles. Lessons are geared to the individual student's interests and abilities as well. For instance, percussion students sometimes focus on marching percussion techniques, jazz band skills, etc.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ludwig s/l series drums, and Zildjian cymbals. Fender stratocaster electric guitar, Carvin all tube amp and Peavy trans-tube amp. Seagull acoustic guitar, handmade in Canada.  

*** Travel Equipment ***
Instructor provides drum-sticks, mallets, a practice pad, and/or guitar and amp if applicable. If student is taking drum/percussion lessons, they need to have their own snare drum and /or drum-set and sticks. For guitar lessons, they need to have their own guitar and picks.

*** Specialties ***
Many years of experience in jazz and rock drumming. Many years of experience in marching percussion. Additional skills in country, blues and Latin drumming.

I also play and teach rock and folk guitar.

Ed Feltman
"Brad worked as a drum teacher for my son from the ages from 11-16. Brad encouraged by son day by day at each lesson, the encouragement resulted in the constant addition of new skills and great competence, Brad encouraged him to play in many different styles and situations and provided opportunities that allowed him to stretch himself out of his comfort zone in many situations. In outside situations my son was not required to "try out" due to his well-known skills."

"I would recommend Brad's teaching expertise to anyone interested in learning drums or continuing to expand their skills."

Kim Wheeler
"Brad started teaching our 11 year old son the guitar about 2 years ago. He offers reasonable rates and flexible scheduling. Our son was enthusiastic about music but discouraged after taking piano lessons and feeling like it was a chore. Within 3 months of taking guitar lessons with Brad, he had learned the power cords and could play over 5 songs by ear. Brad s method of teaching emphasizes learning the basics and immediately applying it to playing music a young student recognizes and can grasp. He understood that just learning notes in a book would not keep a young man s attention long, and instead emphasized learning cords by sound and developing good fingering and hand/eye coordination on the instrument. Brad emphasizes positive encouragement while adding layers that pushes our son s learning a little bit further with each lesson. After 2 years, our son can play a portfolio of songs including the solos, he s performed in school talent shows and he s learning to read music on the page just in time for school band. We couldn t be happier with our son s progress thanks to Brad s measurable teaching abilities."

of meticulous concentration to technique, and I believe that this focus on technique is the key to being a good percussionist, which is what I focus on in the beginning of the private lessons. I also teach basic music theory in rhythms, so that the student can read drum music at a basic to intermediate level.
After I feel like the student has grasped the ideas of the technique, is able to apply it to the snare drum, and is able to successfully read sheet music, we then move over to the drum set and apply the same ideas around the drums. I play professionally in small jazz ensembles, and in a local rock band called “The Naticks”(recently named Best Indy Band in Ri by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine.) I’ve also played in numerous school ensembles, and at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School for some time. The drum set lessons focus primarily on rock and jazz, with some basic lessons on other genres like latin and afro-cuban.
My goal is to foster a love and appreciation of music in people of all ages. Being able to connect with people of all cultures and languages through one universal connection, like music, is something indescribable, and I wish to share my passion with other people.