Piano with Aaron B.

Teaching drums professionally since 1998, Aaron has influenced hundreds of budding musicians to get the most from their instrument. He has studied privately with Rob Laytham (Modern Drummer columnist), Joe Leroux (marching band guru), Gary Chaffe (legendary drummer) and many others throughout the years. He has taken the best techniques and teaching styles from his influences and molded them together to form what he considers to be the most effective and inspiring method available. I teach drum set in nearly every style and hybrid imaginable, as well as percussion and drum circle facilitation. Accomplishments include recording 7+ albums with various groups, touring with national acts across the west coast, drumming for the Warner Brothers Television house band, and still actively playing live shows and recording. *** Lesson Details *** I put my focus on inspiring students to explore their own creativity with the tools and techniques that I give to them and nurture. I think it is very important to cover the basic skills that the school districts expect from their music students (sight reading, proper technique, note recognition, rudiments, timing, feel, etc.). I also feel it is important for a student to find his or her style and an ability to use the fundamentals to create music that they enjoy. I have written method books based on the fundamentals of playing a rhythmic instrument with an emphasis on allowing the student to find their niche and lead a group through a piece of music or tastefully support it. My studios are fully equipped with sound systems, the latest recording gear, acoustic and electric sets, hand drums and dozens of other percussion instruments. I believe that the more resources a person can draw from, be it intellectual or physical, the more fulfilling the learning experience will be. Each lesson, my students will take at least a page of music that represents the concept that they are focusing on, and a goal set to accomplish by the end of the week so that they can build upon what they already know in an effort to put the big picture together. Ultimately the student will learn when and how to utilize the concepts that they are practicing. *** Studio Equipment *** A Yamaha electronic drum set in my Mesa Studio allows me to control volume and dial up any sound imaginable. I also have full acoustic drum sets in my studios that I use for recording and private lessons. Often I will integrate guitar, keyboard, or other instruments in to the lessons if needed. *** Travel Equipment *** Sticks, Practice Pad, tuning kit, binder and books with teaching supplements. *** Specialties *** Music, Drums, Percussion, Theory, Composition, Piano and Guitar. Drummers should be well versed in all genres of music. Rock, Jazz, Latin, Swing, etc. Most of my students begin with concert and marching styles on a practice pad, then advance to the drum set. I teach note recognition and placement, rudiments, linear playing, moeller method, rhythm theory, sub-division of notes and time, and the sight-reading to support these techniques. I have developed online lessons and a great way to interact with students remotely as well..