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Excellent experience with my first 2 classes. Murray is patient and dedicated. I look forward to my future classes with him.

Friendly teacher! He customizes our lesson according to my needs and really supports me!

Super passionate, knowledgable and a great communicator!

I started lessons with Kevin knowing nothing about playing the Djembe. He made broke down the fundamentals and made it easy to learn the basics and then build from them.  He gives lots of great advice

Staff Picks

Not really a great experience. The instructor just turned on youtube and made me do Karaoke. I couldn't even hear my voice because the youtube was louder than me. The next lesson I was hoping he had acoustic instruments of some sort to sing over as he promised, nope. Back to Youtube and turning it up loud while I sang which I couldn't hear my voice.  I just wanted to work on the vocals but all we did was youtube. I quickly cancel and got out of dodge. 

I have been practising piano with Matt for over 4 months now and I can vouch for the fact that he is an excellent teacher. It is difficult to find someone who is extremely skilled and also a great teacher, and you will find this combination with Matt. He is dedicated, makes learning fun and enjoyable for students by customising lessons based on their needs. He is also a great person and a good ambassador for music, and you will not go wrong by selecting Matt as a guide for your musical journey.

Teaching Djembe Is My Specialty.. Been Playing & Performing For 35 years now!

Beginner to intermediate Djembe is just plain fun and I love to teach it.
Drum Circle Anyone? So Much Adrenaline In A Big Drum Circle! Djembe On!

Djembe

Master How To Play An Instrument or Sing with Celeb Online or In-Studio Music Lessons & Personal Coaching.. Learn How Associates Of Mine Made it On American Idol 2021 & “NBC TV’s The Voice!" Develop The Sound & Singing Voice You Want & Need For Success! 

Congrats Ava August 2021 - I'm So Proud Of You Ava!
Super Excited For Your 2022 & Beyond Progress.
Sincerely Matt. :)  Sublime Ear Training Anyone?

Learn Easy Achievable "Baby Steps" To Get You Started. 
12 Steps Per Level -  Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced 

Get My Exclusive Insider Secrets & Techniques! 
New for Kids- Join one of our real Kid bands and play your favorite songs and artists on your favorite instrument! Or
Sing For Our Band Instead! Everyone Welcome!

Hi.. My name is Matt. I'm a very energetic, friendly, understanding & passionate music coach who has worked with students & clientele throughout the US. Possessing more than 35 years of music training & music industry experience, I've been able to take people's Playing to amazing levels.

I'm Pacific NW Guitarist for Rudy Parris from  NBC TV's "The Voice!"  - Go Team Blake! Rock Or Country, Rudy also plays with Buck Owens "Buckaroos". Buck had twenty-one #1 Hit Singles!

I started guitar & singing at age 15 & was hooked. Straight out of college I started working in Big Seattle Radio, Met and worked with Rockstars & Celebrity Radio DJ's. Crowe & West? Robin & Maynard? Scott VanderPool or  ROY OTIS!. HaHa Radio Days are Fun.

I also worked at Warner Bros Records in Seattle & started playing with some of the signed Musical Artists who became Rockstars."  Once Again I was hooked!

More recently, I went on to network and/or play with many Famous NW music legends including: 
1.) Roger Fisher- Heart-2013 Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
2.) Lynn Sorensen- Paul Rogers/Bad Co/KZOK's Spike & Impalers
3.) Donny Evola -  Geoff Tate/Former Queensryche/Foghat
4.) Jeff Kathan- Paul Rogers/Bad Company
5.) Doug Mcgrew- Geoff Tate/Former Queensryche Singer/Operation Mindcrime

These guys are Pro all the way + great guys as well. I"m honored to have played with them.

You Too Can Play An Instrument & Have an Amazing Voice! 
Set Easy Goals with My Legendary Bite Size Lesson Plans. 
Pick a teacher that can both perform music and is also a great teacher! 

Develop your own unique style! 

Learn some new cool chords, licks, & songs, for yourself, or to impress. Meet new like minded friends.. 
 
That's what music is all about. Learning & trading tips and licks from other musicians. All while learning to perform your favorite songs from me!

Get Results Faster & Easier Than Ever Before!  

LEARN THE EXACT SAME SECRET METHODS I LEARNED!

*** Lesson Details ***
Learn while having FUN! I am a very laid-back teacher who wants to focus on music making you smile. We will choose material and a pace of learning that will keep you excited to rehearse and return the following lesson improved!

PERSONALIZE your music lessons by learning techniques used by your favorite artists in "their" songs. 
FEEL FREE learning in a comfortable atmosphere where you can excel successfully as a musician! 
CONQUER shyness and insecurities by unleashing the dynamic performer in you! 

Most All Styles/Genres/Experience Levels Taught - We go over everything systematically. Music Theory, Songwriting, Chords, Scales, Determining Key Of Songs, Performance, etc  

Start Speaking Better, then.. Speak Like a Pro! 
Start Playing Better,  then .. Play Like a Pro!
Start Singing Better,  then.. Sing Like A Star!

After 3 to 6 months, you should expect to be playing some of your favorite songs and artists accurately

I've worked with all ages, styles and skill levels. Families welcome, Singles welcome as well.  You've Tried The Rest.,, Now Try What Works! 

New - Attention Aspiring Teachers Or Coaches or Current TakeLessons Teachers- Learn How To Make Great $ Doing Exactly What U Love!  I can help you make more money teaching than you ever have before. I can help you find more TL leads as well as leads on your own. Six Figures Teaching or Coaching is More Achievable Than You Think! Start with Teaching Your Students The Absolute Best Material & Techniques! Then Book A Coaching Lesson With Me. 
Accelerate Your Progress Like My Music Students Do! 
Guaranteed!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sound Proof Pro Recording Studio, PA System, guitars, basses, amps, drums, recording gear, mics, mic stands, strobe & lights, fog machine, seating for parents. 

*** Brand New***  Now Offering Music Lessons Online (From My Recording Studio To Your Home via TakeLessons Classroom)  
I'm really excited to offer lessons online through TakeLessons Classroom.! It's a great thing to get to work with students all over this country and I'm looking forward to help pioneer the future of music lessons!

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.

My Unique Specialty - is teaching students the rudimental basics 1st, & then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD, radio or iPod, almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. You just have to know what to listen for..

MEASURE your success by recording your music progress along the way. In the studio we can record students progress via audio or video and then post to my You Tube channel.

Very inspiring. A good mix between technique and philosophy. 

I have been working with Murray for a year now.   My goal has been to gain basic percussion conceptual framework, develop hand independence and consistency,  and translate this knowledge and skills to improve the dynamism of how I imagine and execute piano accompaniment. (The piano is my primary instrument.  I am taking a sabbatical from piano instruction while I am with Murray.   I highly recommend all piano students to consider taking hand percussion lessons) .     My expectations have been surpassed.  I find Murray well organized and thoughtful in the sequence of topics.  He provides more constructive and useful feedback than I have received from prior teachers.

In these lessons our focus is mainly on hand drumming, teaching the student techniques and styles for various styles of hand drums from around the world. 

There are many aspects of djembe playing including strength and co-ordination that only can be improve in our lessons. This is why my djembe lessons will be fun and can be of a great help.

I received my B.S. & Music Degree with concentration in instrumentalists from Morgan State University. I’v been playing drums since the age of three and now been teaching for over 17 years. In 2016, I was accepted as a member of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).  I am very well rounded in all styles of music such as, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Christian, Latin, Marching, Classical, Blues and the list goes on. I am a Emmy Nominated drummer for my outstanding role in the 2015 Stage Musical "Oh Gospel" The Evolution of Gospel Music. My drumming & percussion career has launch me into one of the most sought after instructors & drummers of our time. My skill level and personalty has brought about major partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Vic Furth, Evans Drum Heads, Sabian Cymbals, JamTec USA, Urbann Boards and Kick Strap. I have performed with many Stellers & Grammy artist such as Richard Smallwood, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole, Isaiah D Thomas, American Idol contestants and Sunday Best contestants just to name a few. I currently play full time at the New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown in Baltimore MD where the congregation is over 10,000 members. I am very proud of the releasing of my latest DVD & "Nothing Too Hard" video to inspire all musicians around the World. With the launching of Passionate Drumming & Music Lessons, I am dedicated to equipping all my students with the instructions for reaching students goals. I welcome all students any age, any skill level. Hope to have you as a new student very soon! 

*** Lesson Details ***
My students will quickly learn the basics of drumming, including: stick control, technique, rhythms, drum fills, and licks. It does not matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced drummer. The same time and effort will be exercised. We will have a fun and meaningful time playing, both by ear and by reading music. These lessons will really be hands on using teaching methods such as music books, DVD’s, and playing of my own. Students will have a great time also studying music theory, learning how to assemble the drum set, learning the parts of the drums, how to tune the drums, and how to accompany other musical instruments. After 3 to 6 months taking lessons, all students will be well on their way to a very successful musical career having had such fun and learning to play all different styles of music. My motto: Lets play Good, get Better, and be our Best!           

*** Studio Equipment ***
Finished Studio: (3) drum sets, recording equipment, bells, hand drums & other percussion instruments, seating for students & guest.

***Endorsers & Sponsors***
*Odery Drums
*RBimusic
*VicFirth Sticks
*Sabian Cymbals & Sabian Education Network 
*StickPro
*Evans,  D'Addario & Company, Inc.  
*NAMM Member
*Low Boy Beaters 
*Urbann Boards
*SledgePad
*Kick Strap
*JamTec USA

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Christian, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, pop, Latin, reggae, funk, shuffle, studio recording, Great with Kids!

I took guitar lessons (adult learner) with Jess for a few months over the summer of 2023. Sadly had to put lessons on hold because of schedule issues on my end. Jess was an excellent teacher with well demonstrated mastery of the material. I got to practice a lot of useful exercises that felt well paced for my learning level. The variety of the exercises never left me bored and gave me good practice with different topics, from rhythm to music theory. The studio space was very comfortable and welcoming

I felt very safe and comfortable in the accepting and non-judgmental environment. I was able to use my voice to sing without getting anxious.

Jesse is engaging, kind and you can tell he’s very experienced at teaching different levels in a patient manner. Highly recommend!

Learn about keeping basic time as well as how to generate good tone on the djembe.

*Disclaimer*
I'm currently not taking beginner students for bass, drums, piano, and ukulele or children under 10 years old. I highly recommend my studio partner Melissa though. Please check out her profile:

https://takelessons.com/profile/melissa-m62


My Background

I've been playing with classical ensembles and rock bands since 2001. Even though I started on classical trombone and rock guitar, I have come to expand my repertoire to a variety of instruments and genres. During my time in college I performed with the University choir, orchestra, and band. I also have organized, wrote/arranged for, and performed with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.


Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.


Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations. It's really important to know though that everyone makes their own experience. The process of learning music involves you learning as much about your own mind and body as it does any external concepts, so please keep in mind only you can move yourself forward. 


I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.


I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well. 



Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Zoom or the TakeLessons Classroom feature.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.


My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Zoom

My son has recently started taking lessons with Mike always look forwards to his percussion lessons. Mike has helped him with improving on many different types of percussion instruments and at the same time makes the lesson fun.  Mike is friendly and very helpful with my questions which I really appreciate as a parent.

Mike has been great theough five lessons. Always reinforcing the basics and letting me work on music that I want to sing as well. I can see and feel the progress and highly recommend these lessons to anyone interested in learning voice.

First class, Mike is knowleadgable and great to talk to. Looking forward to learn from these classes

Boom boom rakaka, boom.  Djembe was my favorite instrument in high school.  Still play it with choirs and with friends.  Again, let's jam.

Other hand drums are applicable here.

No need to be nervous before my lessons.  I have taught lessons to ages 6 to students in their 70's! My lessons have a comfortable atmosphere where students can be okay learning with mistakes; through trial and error.  I always keep a light mood with quick bits of humor.  I teach in a relaxing way, but at the same time you may expect to leave with new musical knowledge every lesson. I enjoy showing the connections between music and other areas of study and life. I always finds ways to work a student's personal interests into lessons. I always strive to help students learn how to practice in an efficient and organized way.

I am a published composer and active performer/teacher/conductor with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Conducting!

Everything is going great and I'm making some good progress.  Thank you !

Everything is going well and she's been giving me some good homework exercises that are proving to be helpful. 


Great teacher.   Has a good sense of where the student is and what needs to be improved upon.  She's developing a teaching strategy for me after our initial meeting. 

Djembe:
A rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa.  Starting with basics of learning hand techniques, rhythms, tuning, and bass, tone, and slap, which have low, medium, and high pitch, to play along with songs.

Hi!

My name is Karen D. I’ve had the pleasure of performing, singing, writing, and recording since I was seven years old. Besides being an Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music, I have been a lifelong student of the international world-renowned instructors Dante Pavone and Charlie Banacos. Teaching for forty years (since 1982), along with my passion and diligence, these experiences have given me very in-depth knowledge and understanding of how music really works and the ability to teach all instruments.

All it takes is Trust, Patience, Perseverance, and Practice.

Truly,

Karen D.

Anyone Can Learn To Sing or Play Any Instrument With My Method!
No End To How Good You Can Get!
Vocal Therapist-Can Cure ALL Vocal Damage!

Karen D.
-Certified Teacher of the World Famous Dante Pavone Vocal Method
-Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music!
-Winner of International World Contest for Meridan Records from over
300 Countries
-Runner up in Ticketmaster Contest
-Twenty Original Songs Placed in Movies
-Written and Recorded Hundreds of Original Songs
-Performer, Producer, Actress, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Entrepreneur
-Teaches Song Writing, Ear Training, Theory, Arranging
-Teaches Video Production and Editing
-Teaches Audio Engineering

It is completely untrue that some people are "born to sing or play an instrument" while others are not. With my expertise a person who believes they have no talent can learn any instrument, the most "tone deaf" can learn to sing perfectly in tune, and someone who thinks they have "no talent" can become better than anyone out there. I have a unique and very patient teaching style that makes learning any instrument seem easy!
Anyone can learn!

It all started out in a small town called Chatham, NJ where I spent the first thirteen years of my life. I remember loving music as early as I could walk and talk. I started taking guitar lessons when I was seven years old. Along with the guitar, came a love for singing and writing my own songs. When we moved to Pennsylvania the guitar came with me. Throughout my high school years, I spent hours playing with teachers, fellow students, and parties.

When I was sixteen every week for three years I would drive an hour into Philadelphia, by myself, to study with world-famous Artie Singer. His students include such names as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Al Martino, and Bobby Rydel. Artie co-wrote and produced two massive hit records “At the Hop” and “Rock ‘n Roll is Here to Stay,” both recorded by Danny and the Juniors. 

While going to a Community College in Philadelphia the music teacher there took notice of me, pulled me aside, and told me about a great music school I should attend. He then sent away the application and helped me fill it out. The next thing I knew I was in Boston attending Berklee School of Music! I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Jazz and Rock Composition, Arranging, and Guitar.

I had originally gone to Berklee intending to major in voice. However, I had no luck with the vocal department there and ended up with nodules on my vocal cords. The damage was so significant that I had to stop singing during my four years at Berklee and turned to study Guitar and Composition.

I tried every vocal teacher in town wanting more than anything to be a singer. What I found was no teacher could help me and it seemed obvious that even though they had the “big name” they didn't know what they wt. I was losing hope. The combination of this roadblock and my persistence led me to the greatest thing that ever happened in my life....... I met Dante Pavone!

I kept hearing about a singing teacher named Dante Pavone. Since I had already tried everyone else, I decided to give him a shot.

Djembe is an African drum that is very popular. I can get you started pretty fast!

I have a Percussion Performance Degree from Arizona State University, have authored over 6 books on how to play better including: ART Approach to Keyboard Percussion Sightreading, ART Approach to Rhythm!, Turn It Up & Lay It Down, The Book (with Joe Bergamini and Spence Strand) I have over 26 years of teaching experience and constantly work to find better ways to show people how to be great. I am currently working on 4 new books in the Percussion area and about a dozen more for other instruments.I work with each student to find out what motivates them and how to set goals to reach whatever level they seek. I have worked with almost every age possible and find it exciting to see people find out how great they are. 

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with me will be positive and you will be pushed to be your best. I work with each student to find 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, Cajon, Djembe, 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

Learn Djembe your way with a TakeLessons expert

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Matthew H.

Play Djembe Like a Pro with Expert Advice from a Top Guitarist

Murray P.

Jess M.

Learn the fundamentals of rhythm and hand drum technique.

Michael N.

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Karen D.

Learn Djembe: Lessons with a professional musician and singer

Kevin F.

Learn to play the African Djembe from a percussion tutor with 26+ years of experience

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Excellent experience with my first 2 classes. Murray is patient and dedicated. I look forward to my future classes with him.

Friendly teacher! He customizes our lesson according to my needs and really supports me!

Super passionate, knowledgable and a great communicator!

I started lessons with Kevin knowing nothing about playing the Djembe. He made broke down the fundamentals and made it easy to learn the basics and then build from them. He gives lots of great advice

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