I have developed a natural teaching method that focuses on learning and understanding the building blocks of drum set playing, familiarizing and connecting these building blocks, and applying them to individual expression. I have the ability to take nearly anyone without prior drum set or rhythmic experience, and, within days, turn them into beat playing drummers! My approach focuses on:
-building an understanding and relationship with each drum
-the basic rudimentary foundation of drumming
-how to approach the drums, hold the sticks, set up the drums, and tune the drums
-basic mechanical techniques
-development of each limb
-learning how to read basic drum charts and play to them
-learning and playing the most significant beats and patterns in the history of drum set
-gaining the ability to effectively teach oneself how to improve as a drummer
-learning your favorite songs on drums
-how to play in a band

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.

43 years of Professional experience, over 1200 lessons in 6 yrs w/ TakeLessons.com alone! Private Instruction for 15 yrs teaching by ear, performance & notation. Positive, patient and motivating, with a wealth of music knowledge to share. Lessons are always designed to be educational, engaging & fun, combining a balance of learning notation, playing by ear & performance with other live instruments! We will find out what interests you most and get you on the drum set right away for fast results!

I have been teaching drums since 2003, and I start my students using The Drumset Musician, by Rick Mattingly and Rod Morgenstein. I also choose materials, from my extensive library, to address the needs of each individual. I am familiar with rock, country, blues, jazz, and world grooves, as well as marching band and orchestra. I teach the components of and purposes of voices within the set, proper grip, reading music, coordination, and feel. I also teach students how to analyze and map songs, so they can excel in a band setting. If a student is wanting to be in marching and symphonic bands, I can prepare them for those pursuits, as well. I have two sets in my studio, as well as abundant hand and auxiliary percussion instruments.

I have taught drums for ten years, and strive to provide each student with exactly what they need to excel. I have extensive training, both from CSUN as a Jazz Performance major and performing around the world in various groups. From basic technique, to advanced technical and musical studies, my wealth of knowledge and experience will help you improve immensely. I teach based on each individual student in order to provide you with the best and most fun learning experience.

My teaching style is very flexible & hands on. My goal is to make beautiful music and I do this by taking technical exercises and giving them musical meaning. This means I focus on the ideas of time, vocabulary & dynamic playings, but within this still teaching essential technical exercises in order to create a well-rounded musician.

After each lesson I will email detailed notes, as well as any supplemental documents and/or music.