Marylhurst, OR Percussion Lessons

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

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

*** 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.

was principal percussionist and drumline captain throughout my high school career participating in the concert, symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. I was selected for All-State Jazz Band during my senior year and went on to study music education at the University of Georgia while being selected for a slot in the Redcoat Marching Band and the University Steel Drum Band during my freshman year. I completed my music business degree from Georgia State University, while studying under world class teachers like Jack Bell, principal percussionist for Atlanta Symphony for over 30 years.
Throughout my career, I continue to be influenced, inspired, and taught through private lessons, master classes, videos, books, and recordings from David Garibaldi, Simon Phillips, Rod Morgenstein, Neil Peart, Gregg Bissonette, Jerry Fields, Jim White, John Lawless, Billy Degnats, Eric Darken, Gary Chaffee, Kim Plainfield, Chuck Silverman, Steve Houghton, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Porcaro, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Tito Puente, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Vinx, and Zorro.
As your drum teacher, I can help students excel in school music programs to pursue scholarships, transform the garage band into a gig-ready act, bring laughter and joy for special needs, encourage senior citizens trying something new with music in their golden years - all of these scenarios and more with the ultimate goal to coach you to becoming the creative musician you dream of becoming based on the musical artists that inspire you. Let's get started today.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'll have you playing and understanding rhythmic concepts right away. I love to start lessons off by learning from my students who their favorite drummer is or what music track inspires them. Then we turn "I wanna do that!" into "I can do that!"
I customize each lesson to each particular student's goals, although I have many solid foundation concepts and exercises that I employ at the appropriate times. I keep the lessons extremely positive and encouraging, but I will drive and challenge my students to help them find joy in pushing themselves through a difficult new concept or overcoming a physical hurdle.
I try to broaden my students' appreciation for multiple genres of music with a lot of historical or anecdotal stories which fit within the context of whatever contemporary methods we are actually studying. As much as possible, I incorporate technology into our lesson time with click track (metronome), play-along music, and other developmental tools.
Listening is a critical skill that I constantly emphasize, and yes, I do assign "homework" between lessons, but I make the assignments fun and they usually help to quickly unleash the creative spirit of each student!
My greatest joy is when a student has a band performance I can watch or a positive audition experience I can celebrate with them after having helped them prepare for the event.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drum kit, multiple hand percussion instruments, PA system, practice pad kit, dry erase boards, and multi-media.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students should have a new three-ring binder or a spiral notebook to track weekly lessons and assignments. Ideally, students should have sticks/mallets, a snare drum, drum set, hand percussion (bongos, conga, djembe, cajon), or perhaps a school-supplied instrument. If none of those items are owned or available, that's not a problem. I can provide practice pad(s) and or small drum and percussion supplies to help us get started until students/parents can invest in their own gear later on based on their specific interests.

*** Specialties ***
Drum Set - Musicality & playing drum beats from day 1. Also, reading music & rhythmic training.

Percussion - School band and concert percussion (such as bells, xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone). Prep for auditions. Drum maintenance, tuning, and various hand percussion (conga, bongos, cajon, djembe, tambourine, etc.).

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