Top Drum Lessons for Kids in Happy Valley, OR

*** 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.

urriculum based on students needs, wants and aspirations. We will focus on proper technique, theory, musicianship and sightreading to become a better all around musician. After a few months of lessons, you will have the proper fundamentals to grow as a musician and discover the art of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
All necessities on site.

*** Specialties ***
I am well versed in many styles, I have played professionally and teach, ALL forms of Rock, Jazz, Blues, World (ethnic musics), Pop, Acoustic, Folk, and most other styles.

around the world.

*Note regarding scheduling - November and December of 2018 - I will be on tour with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and will only be available for online lessons.

Discounts available:
Military, Teacher discount -
$5 off all lessons
Early Bird (schedule lessons to finish by 3:30pm Pacific) -
$5 off all lessons
Combine discounts for $10 off any lesson!
Use the ask question feature and mention the discount :)

My mission is to provide a positive musical experience for all students. For some this includes rigorous preparation for an audition of some kind, for others it may be an introduction to music fundamentals to foster better listening skills and greater artistic appreciation. All students will be challenged to improve their listening, timing, and technique. All students will learn to play songs that they love.

Recommendations for best results: make a three-month commitment to weekly lessons, and work up to 30 minutes of daily practice. This formula guarantees results. Bring your instrument, music books, and a binder with sheet protectors ☺

*Scheduling policy: to avoid being charged for a lesson - One week notice is required to cancel, skip, or "roll over" a lesson. 24 hours notice to reschedule (based on availability).

To continue weekly lessons, students must maintain at least 90% attendance or the time slot may be forfeited.

Good Luck!

Jordan was born and raised in the El Centro, California where he began playing the alto sax in the elementary band program. At the age of 12, he began his study of guitar and drums, performing in several rock and ska bands around his home town and San Diego. At age 14, is where he found his love for brass instruments when he took up the trombone. While in high school he became a soloist with the Imperial Valley College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of former Basie trumpeter Jimmy Cannon. That lead Jordan to accept the Constance Weldon Music Scholarship to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

While performing in South Florida Jordan appeared with major acts including 10,000 Maniacs, and appeared on the Spanish television show "Calle Ocho." He also gained invaluable experience teaching in Miami public schools. His first teaching assignment was at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School where he directed 3 beginning bands, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and their highly decorated Jazz Band. Later Jordan moved into the elementary setting, teaching vocal and instrumental music for grades K-5 at Cypress Elementary.

In 2007, Jordan returned to California to pursue a music career in San Diego. He can be seen performing all over San Diego, Orange, and LA Counties in styles ranging from rock, jazz, funk, blues, hip-hop, Latin, and more. He performs primarily on trombone, piano, and guitar, but is known to pick up percussion, harmonica, and other wind instruments as well. Jordan, along with the rest of the aggressively funky cover band SuperMagnetic, were the grand prize winner of the 2010 Viejas Ultimate Music Challenge 4. In 2011, Tori Roze & The Hot Mess were nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of "Best Blues Artist" after the release of their first album "From The Hip." They released their second album "Turbulence" last December, and are heard regularly on local San Diego radio. This album has also been nominated for Best Pop album for the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. In 2013, Jordan completed his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University.

On stage, Jordan is a talented and versatile performer. He is known for his trombone sound and improvisational ability, as well as his positive relationship with his fellow musicians. In lessons, Jordan is energetic and creative.

*** Lesson Details ***
I enjoy teaching kids and adults of all ages. When you arrive for our first lesson, we'll start by getting to know your musical tastes and aspirations. Then we make a plan. Then we play!

Everybody's path is different, but we must start with a strong foundation in the fundamentals. After we start to establish some technique on your instrument we will explore music that suits you from a practical stand point in your development, and very importantly, stylistically. Together we will plan a curriculum that keeps you motivated toward your goals and that fits your life style.

You can expect a laid back, yet focused environment. Most of all, you can look forward to progress! Hope to see you soon.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with large wall mirror, good lighting, with full size keyboard, weighted

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to provide an instrument for themselves. I also require a student to come prepared with sheet music, pencils, a binder with sheet protectors, and any books they are interested in.

*** Specialties ***
I have an extensive background in jazz bands, salsa bands, classical wind ensembles, and improvisation. I also currently perform in both original and cover bands on trombone, keyboard and guitar, in a range of styles including rock, reggae, Latin, and funk. I teach beginning and intermediate piano, guitar, and woodwind instruments, as well as advanced brass.

PLEASE READ:
***Scheduling Policy***
-To avoid being charged - One week notice for cancellations. 24 hours notice for reschedule (based on availability).

ly start lessons on a practice pad before moving to the drum kit. I also work closely with the student to develop concise and organized practice routines, so that they understand what to work on during their own time. In my experience, I have found that this foundation in routine and gradual improvement is central to great musicianship, and with time, will open up a world of possibilities for creativity and expression.

I am very familiar and comfortable working with beginners, but can teach students of all ages and experience levels. Whether you want your child to turn their banging into music, or are looking to take your chops to the next level, I'm your guy!

if you want to learn how to play U2, Alicia Keys, Keith Urban, Charlie Parker, Dave Matthews, Meshuggah, Kendrick Lamar, Led Zeppelin, or whatever it is you want to learn, I'm going to do my best to help you play what you want to play.

a McEntire, Cindy Lauper, Bette Midler, Donna Summer, Katherine McPhee, Jennifer Hudson, Esperanza Spalding, The Ronettes, Little Anthony, Bobby Womack, Ronnie Wood, Joe Zawinul, Paquito DíRivera, Ornette Coleman, Pierre Boulez, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Vladimir Spivakov, Elliot Carter, Will Ferrell and Bill Murray. On Television, David can be seen performing on the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, The 22nd, 24th and 26th Annual Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame, The Emmy Awards, The American Music Awards, VH1, Late Show With David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, A&E’s Live By Request, PBS’s Soundstage, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, The Today Show, The Early Show, BBC, and “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90” on NBC from which the recording of the show won a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album” (2018).
David received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School where he became a founding member of the Matt Herskowitz Trio. David officially endorses © Latin Percussion (LP), YAMAHA Drums, Vic Firth sticks.