Phonics with Alan C.

I bring a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the creative exploration of the percussive arts, with over 50 years of diverse musical experience which includes performing with Nigerian master drummer Francis Awe’s Talking Drum Ensemble, competing to top international honors with the Misty Isle Pipe Band, ensembles large and small covering music in a wide range of genres, as well as extended experience in solo accompaniment for modern dance and performance art. I have performed with renowned musicians such as Dave Holland, Albert Mangelsdorf, Bobby Bradford, Fred Katz, Lee Konitz, Don Thompson, Ralph Alessi, Vinny Golia, Karl Denson, Kei Akagi, among many others. *** Lesson Details *** With study and training in many aspects of musical performance, and a well rounded background in concert, world music, and drum set percussion, I bring expertise and attention to detail into my students' learning experience. I seek to meet each student at the level they find themselves at and to discern what works best in order to maximize their growth and potential. A firm grounding in basic technique, dynamics, and expression on the instrument is essential. Stick control and reading are two skills necessary to develop at the start. Books that I find invaluable in any student's development are "Stick Control" - George Lawrence Stone, "Modern Reading Text in 4/4" - Louis Bellson, "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer" - Ted Reed, among others. Working through any music instruction texts/tutorials the student already has is also a priority. *** Studio Equipment *** Living room: drum kit, percussion *** Travel Equipment *** Snare drums, practice pads, drum set and auxiliary percussion as needed. *** Specialties *** Drums: beg to upper inter/lower adv Jazz and creative improvised music, blues, folk and ethnically influenced musics.