Conga Drums with Aaron M.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Management from the University of the Pacific. At Pacific, Aaron studied both jazz and classical music, and performed rock/gospel music on campus. He also completed graduate units through Liberty University. He has directed instrumental music at Sunrise Community Church in Fair Oaks, CA, and directed the worship ministry at Escalon Covenant Church in Escalon, CA. Aaron has been teaching private lessons since 2007, and has been teaching marching percussion at high schools since 2008. His students students have earned college music scholarships, honor band seats, and professional performances, and the winter percussion ensemble he taught won first place at NCBA Championships. Aaron has a broad range of musical experiences including performances in rock bands, R&B bands, drum corps, orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz bands and combos, and many many more. He loves sharing this diverse musical background with his students. As a timpanist and percussionist, Aaron has been an extra member of the Stockton Chorale Society Orchestra. As a drummer, Aaron has worked professionally in the pit at Magic Circle Theater company in Roseville, CA. As a bass guitarist, Aaron performed professionally with Sacramento area jazz guitarist Greg Perkins. As a guitarist, Aaron has led worship and played on worship teams. Aaron also taught middle school English and Computer Applications in Stockton, CA, and has worked as a private tutor and substitute teacher of all subjects, K-12. *** Lesson Details *** More lesson times may be available. Please call if other arrangements are needed.** -- The most important thing to know about lessons with Aaron is that you will receive a customized experience tailored to fit your musical desires and goals. He will work to understand your desires in music, and will use existing materials and generate new materials to challenge you and help them you reach your goals. Some common goals Aaron has worked with are: - Preparing for an Audition - Starting a band with friends - Learning music for a school band/percussion ensemble - Personal enrichment/ better understanding of music - Exploring career possibilities - Improving technical ability **** Aaron's guiding principles are: 1. Music is vitally useful and Important in society! Music brings joy to the multitude, and enhances expression for its artists. 2. Anyone can be a musician! Every student has unlimited potential, and it is Aaron's desire to unlock that potential, allowing my students to succeed in music. 3. Music should be fun! Too many instructors stick to the gritty business of method books. While this has its place, Aaron knows that it is only a small part of music. Music is meant to be fun, and Aaron makes the learning process fun and exciting at every stage by incorporating the interests of his students. 4. Hard work should always be rewarded! Aaron is always positive with his students and celebrates their accomplishments continually. 5. Music is what you make it! Whatever your desires and goals in music, Aaron will help you to achieve them. All musical aspirations are valid and valuable. Whether you want to be a rock star, a concert timpanist or just to make music with friends and family, he will equip you with the tools you need to get there. 6. Proper technique and musical knowledge empower musicians! Whatever your goals, starting with good technique and understanding the music you play will keep you from injury and promote your success. 7. Listening is vital to understanding music! Aaron's students listen to and analyze recordings of music they like to gain insight and understanding to how the music works. Aaron encourages his students to play along with recordings to work on the organic elements of music which cannot be gained from dry academic study. Guitarists will start with either an acoustic guitar or electric guitar & practice amp. They will also need a metronome, tuner, and notebook. They will learn to read music, tablature, and chord symbols, and they will learn to play melodies, riffs, and chords in the style(s) they prefer. -- Bass Guitarists will start with a bass guitar and an amp. They will also need a metronome, tuner, and notebook. They will learn to read music and tablature and play bass grooves and solos in the style(s) they prefer. Drummers and percussionist will generally start with a pair of sticks and a practice pad, learning the basic techniques of drumming for the first 6-12 weeks, and will move on to drum set or percussion instruments as they demonstrate proper technique. They will also need a metronome and notebook. They will learn to read and play music in the style(s) they prefer. *** Studio Equipment *** Drums/Percussion: Drum Sets, Practice Pad, Vibraphone, Percussion Instruments, Music Stands. Guitar: Practice Amp, Music Stands. Bass: Bass Guitar Amp, Music Stands. Recording: Microphones, Mic Stands, Clips and Cables, M-Audio Multitrack Interface, GarageBand 11, Studio Accessories. *** Specialties *** Jazz, Rock, Popular, Funk, Classical, Chamber Music, Gospel & Worship Music; Extended Cross Grip, Burton Grip, Stevens Grip, French Grip, German Grip; Drum Set, Timpani, Vibraphone, Marimba, Marching Snare Drum, Marching Tenor Drums, Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Shakers, Congas, Cajon, Djembe.