With a degree in Jazz Performance and over a decade of experience teaching private lessons and playing drums and percussion professionally, Alan S. offers his students a wealth of knowledge gained from performing and studying with master musicians and drummers, respectively. He remembers very clearly what it was like to run into obstacles on the drums as a student, and subsequently, how he overcame them. These experiences have led him to have a knack at breaking down concepts in an accessible, easy-to-learn manner. In addition to being a professional drummer, Alan holds a board-certification in music therapy. As a result, he has a specialty in providing lessons in an adaptive and/or therapeutic way if so desired by the student/parents. He has three years of experience providing music therapy and music instruction for children and adults with special needs. *** Lesson Details *** Alan draws his teachings from many places but students may want to have access to or plan to eventually get three main books: Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed, Modern Reading text in 4/4 by Louis Bellson, and Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. He is able to teach without the use of books and reading, although he has found that once most students get the hang of reading and writing, they'll have to ability to absorb information at a faster pace, not to mention that these are valuable skills to have as musicians. Each student's personal goals and musical tastes are taken into account, each student's lesson being personalized to their own needs and preferences. He specializes in Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Motown, Drum n' Bass, Hip Hop and Pop drumming styles. If you want to learn a song, bring it in! *** Studio Equipment *** Drum sets, cymbals, and sticks, exercise sheets, drum pads. *** Travel Equipment *** Can provide cymbals, a snare drum, drum pads and drum sticks. *** Specialties *** Specializes in Jazz, Rock, Latin, Funk, Drum n' Bass, Hip Hop, Motown and Pop drumming styles on the drumset. Four-way-coordination, syncopation, sight reading, and developing creativity around the drum set.