Top Drum Lessons for Kids in Arcadia, OK

es, as well as international festival performances in Canada, Norway, and Mexico. His past teaching and performing experiences have really helped shaped the musician he is today.

Aside from preforming and private lessons, he is the founder of his preschool program Wee Rock Music, serves as adjunct faculty at Mesa Community College, and is the Entertainment Coordinator for Tempe Festival of The Arts. As a writer, his work has been published in Phoenix New Times and Modern Drummer, and his new children's drum book, Wee Beats, Wee Eats, is set for release in 2018. And also is an accomplished DJ.

Benard also co-scored the 2012 feature-length documentary, The Immigration Paradox, with Tobie Milford. Active in the music industry for more than 15 years, Henri is experienced in production, artist management, booking, merchandising, copyright, graphic design, promotions, licensing, teaching, publishing, writing, and live and studio performances.

A life-long learner, Henri is always finding new experiences and new ways to connect with his students, as learning comes just as much from the student as it does the teacher. You can always find him around "the music." 

Henri is endorsed by TJS Custom Drums.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students who study with me can expect for their guitar, drum kit, percussion, or piano lessons to be top-quality, personalized, and above all, extremely fun sessions that will cater to the students musical backgrounds, interests, and needs. I create extremely organized and specifically focused lessons so that students feel comfortable, not pressured, while learning their craft. The lessons I teach are a combination of developmental sight reading music, learning student chosen songs (depending on ability), inspiring and encouraging creative abilities, warm-up and strengthening exercises, proper techniques, listening for internal hearing, composition dynamics, chords, finger-picking (guitar only) and rudiments (drum kit only).

After 3 months of lessons together, students will have started learning several key elements to becoming an outstanding musician. They will have learned proper form and technique, warm-up/skill-building exercises, to read basic notation, and basic rhythms/rudiments. Guitar/Piano students will be able to play at least one song utilizing both melody and chords. For drum kit/percussion, students should have no problem reading basic drum beats and being able to play through a simple song. With proper, steady practice, most students will achieve much more. I also focus on creative thinking, professionalism, and instrument tuning. Finally, the students will have started to develop a solid level of discipline that is required of any aspiring human being! Remember, "practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent."

*** Studio Equipment ***
Electronic Drums, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Casio CTK-800, LP Assorted Percussions, Protools LE, Logic Pro, Korg Electribe, Reason 3.0, Ion Electronic Drum Set, Chord Charts

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide drum sticks, guitar, keyboards, percussion instruments, and all developmental material for students to retain and practice.

I expect my students to be providing the necessary musical equipment as well (guitars, drum kits, percussion instruments, piano/keyboard) for private lessons in home. If they do not have these in the home to practice with, the lessons are much less effective for your student.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the following styles of playing:

Rock, Hip - Hop, All Latin, Jazz, Funk, Blues, R and B, Gospel, and Dance. I also have a very good feel for World Music as well. I have a very free-spirit for playing, so I often mesh the above stated styles into a more progressive style of playing. I believe that you must be feeling what you are playing.

I also specialize in beat programming/sequencing, recording, organizing song-writing/song-structure, musical score, live performance, and professional music marketing. I am able to show you how to use programs such as Reason, Logic Pro, Protools LE, and Adobe programs to take your creative abilities to the next level.

I believe that these days, it is imperative for musicians to have four major components in their professional arsenal: 1) Discipline and chops on your instruments (including reading music notation); 2) Know how to successfully market yourself and your music; 3) Know how to properly develop a learning ear to record/produce your songs/tracks as well as for others; and 4) Understand and effectively utilize music production programs.

I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your musical desires. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a music-filled day.

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

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 entitle "Piper's Time 2 Groove" & "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, hand drums & instruments, seating for students & guest.

***Endorsers & Sponsors***
*Odery Drums
*RBimusic
*VicFirth Sticks-http://vicfirth.com/artist/Murray_Piper/
*Sabian Cymbals & Sabian Education Network
*StickTwirl
*Evans, D'Addario & Company, Inc.- http://www.daddario.com/education/murrayspiper
*NAMM Member
*Low Boy Beaters
*Urbann Boards
*SledgePad
*Kick Strap
*JamTec USA

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring snare and sticks. For the more advance lesson drum kit if one not provided. For the beginners sticks snare and if they already have a drum kit that is fine too.

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Christian, jazz, blues, rock, R&B, pop, Latin, reggae, funk, shuffle

ip and stroke technique as well as the use of a metronome. I will teach the student to read rhythms and drum set notation. I know how to isolate difficult patterns, break them down into understandable parts, and reintegrate them into a piece. I like to use the music that a student enjoys to relate to the written music. I have found YouTube to be an indispensable tool for this, and my students have responded very well. I will work on snare drum technique as well, because it is the primary voice on the set, and the touch and nuance required to play it well relate to the set as well. I will tailor my instruction to suit the student's learning style and preferences. I want to make the learning fun, so I will help the student quickly gain the basic skills to play along with their favorite bands. This promotes musicality as well as solid time. It will also aid in transcription, which will come with development and is a valuable tool. I will use this in tandem with technique-building exercises to form a well rounded musician. I believe that a student should have a familiarity with his/her instrument, so we will also go over the anatomy and tuning of the set. Above all, music should be fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ drum set, hand drums, and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a practice pad, snare drum, and sticks. If a student wishes to have drum set lessons in his/her home, that instrument should be there.
**Please note** I do have a drum set in my home.

*** Specialties ***
For the drum set, I am the most experienced in rock, country, and bluegrass styles. I am comfortable with both Stevens and Burton grips for mallet instruments.

1. *** See my article on drum set tips! ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-read-drum-sheet-music
2. ***See my article about the benefits of learning drums as an adult.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-to-drum-as-an-adult
3. *** See my article on Efficient Practice Methods. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-practice-drums-z07
4. *** See my article on Coordination Exercises. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/hand-eye-coordination-exercises-for-drummers-z07
5. *** See my article on Snare Drum Basics. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/5-exercises-to-master-snare-drum-basics-z07
6. *** See my Gear Guide article on drum sticks. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/which-drum-sticks-are-the-best-z07
7. *** See my Gear Guide article on Drum Sets. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/best-drum-set-brands-z07
8. *** See my Gear Guide article on cymbals. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-cymbals-z07
9. ***See my article about different grips.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-hold-drum-sticks-z07
10. **See my article about drum apps. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/apps-for-drummers-z07
11. **See my article about drum thrones. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-thrones-gear-for-drummers-z07
12. **See my article about nailing performances.**
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-performance-tips-z07
13. ***See my article about rudiments.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/7-essential-drum-rudiments-z07
14. ***See my article about tuning your drums.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-tuning-z07
15. ***See my article about reading drum charts/tabs.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-charts-for-beginners-z07
16. ***See my article about different types of sticks/effects.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/types-of-drum-sticks-z07#comment-910418
17. ***See my article about Bass Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/bass-drum-technique-z07
18. ***See my article on Snare Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-snare-drum-z07
19. ***See my article on Fills.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-fills-z07
20.*** See my article on Different Drum Types.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/guide_to_different_types_of_drums_z07

Recording Credits: "The Mary Rose" and "Normandie" from the album, Demos and Premiers, by Callen Clarke and Kyle Dillingham

cts not directly related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

I have toured internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist. I am also a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs on that CD. So, if you are a Songwriter, we can polish up your approach! As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

to read music, as well as transcribe arrangements and transpose by ear. With consistent lessons, students can learn to play along to their favorite music, and develop confidence to practice and perform with other musicians in a group setting.

As a professional touring and recording artist, I am happy to share my knowledge of playing in multiple musical settings, and the "business" of playing music. My passion is for live performance, and it is essential to help students feel confident while playing for an audience.

Our focus will be on developing proper technique, listening carefully and critically to recordings, and building a foundational music vocabulary via reading and writing.

I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise with you!

kept me motivated as a musician and I strive to cater to each individual and work on the stuff they love so that they stay motivated and inspired. Music theory and the fundamentals are important, but I try to relate the theory to what the student is interested as best as possible.

I've been lucky to be able to study music in college and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and graduated from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. I had the benefit of studying with amazing teachers, attending master classes with some of the best players in the world, and playing in groups and with people that have pushed me to continue studying and excel at my instrument.

I currently teach at New Windsor Music Academy in New York and I have several private students that I work with outside of the school. I try to keep lessons fun and informative, so I plan each lesson with structure so that the student can get the most out of our time together. I get the most joy out of watching my students feel elated when they are able to play tunes that they love, understand the theory behind what they are playing, and progress as musicians.

uitar, and many other instruments. I enjoy playing jazz and classical music the most, but have performed professionally with groups of just about every popular genre! My musical interests have no bounds, and I believe that all music has something great to offer.

So, let's get started: beginner, intermediate, or advanced, we can begin rapidly building your musical foundation/career right away!