Lesson Details
Drum
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
• Uses customized curriculum geared for each student
• Top of the line professional equipment
Andrew teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- January 2003
Andrew is a graduate of Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, California with a degree in drum/percussion performance. There he had the opportunity to study with drum book authors: Ed Roscetti, Chuck Silverman and Gary Hess, as well as World Snare Drum Champion: Rob Carson.
He first began his drum studies at age 10; playing percussion in school and at 17 began performing and recording drums professionally. He spent a great deal of his time working with local artists in Philadelphia and Manhattan and touring the northeastern states. During his time in Los Angeles he performed in cover bands, jazz/Latin groups and for dozens of independent artists. He also had the privilege to work with some well know artists, such as Scott Shriner of Weezer, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, and The Blue Man Group.
Teaching drums is just as much a passion of his as is drum performance and recording. In 2005 he was hired as the drum instructor at Los Angeles City College. Since then, he has authored three different drum books and has taught music at Southern California Music School, Alhambra School of Music, Pasadena City College, LA Valley College, LA Academy and several other institutions.
Andrew was awarded Teacher of the Year 2007/2008 at Southern California Music School. He also received Best Drummer Award at the Emergenza’s Battle of the Bands contest in 2005. Under Andrew’s instruction, Carver Middle School was also awarded 1st place during the NVISION Battle of the Bands contest in 2010.
*** Lesson Details ***
My goal for the first lesson, is to have my student perform a simple beat along to one of their favorite songs. I have learned to speak the language of my students. I always find a way to help them understand the mechanics of playing drums. I get very excited over good music, interesting drum concepts or beats. I am patient and encouraging. I give my students praise for every accomplishment. I believe that anyone can become a great drummer.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Rehearsal Studio with seating for parents.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the learning material, I expect the student to have their own drums/equipment.
*** Specialties ***
I teach reading and writing music notation as well as to play by ear. I specialize in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Metal, and Latin styles. I know heel-up, heel-down, and heel-toe bass drum pedal technique. I also specialize in rudimental drumming.
Education
Associates of Arts in Percussion/Drum Set Performance
Oct 2005 - Mar 2007Languages
Spanish
Awards
Best Drum Teacher
Jan 2008Affiliations
Percussive Arts Society, The
Jan 2007We offer students and professionals opportunities to grow artistically and professionally. Students can learn have a music industry experience through the PAS Internship program or apply to receive a PAS scholarship or grant. Professionals can create new percussion programs or gain recognition through PAS grants and contests. Many individuals have significantly impacted the world of percussion through the Percussive Arts Society and they are recognized in our Hall of Fame and Awards pages.
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12 Reviews
Write a ReviewAndrew is awesome! In just 3 lessons my son loves the drums! He makes learning fun!
I like Andrew. He's helping me read music and learn rhythms. He's patient too. I'm already looking forward to my next lesson.
Excellent teacher. Quickly connected with my sons abilities and needs. Making progress in a short time.
great teacher, my son came home so excited
This was the first time i learned drums with zero knowledge. Best thing is he answers all your questions with all the patience. And Ofcourse he plays awesome drums 😊 so fun to learn from him
This was the first time i learned drums with zero knowledge. Best thing is he answers all your questions with all the patience. And Ofcourse he plays awesome drums 😊 so fun to learn from him
Great tips to get started.
Andrew is fantastic! I am a very uncoordinated female in my mid 30's who had this crazy dream to play the drums. My first lessons with Andrew started in a group class setting with ages ranging from 8 to OLD! Andrew had the ability to cater to all our needs so we can understand in our own way no matter what age. By the end of those group sessions I was able to read drum music and play basic beats. I then started taking private lessons with him where he was teaching me to play along with songs, make my own beats, and pretty much just jam. I had a blast learning from him. He is extremely patient and will break it down for you step by step until you understand the fundamentals, mechanics, rhythms, and patterns. He's versatile and was teaching me different styles of music from Rock and Hip Hop, Latin to Reggae. He moved away from the LA area and I have NOT found a teacher on the same level as Andrew. For any females or parents out there concerned, Andrew is very professional and personable. Rest assured he is not creepy and has the best interest for all his students. I can't recommend this guy enough!
+ Read MoreAndrew is an awesome drum teacher! I started studying with him in a group class setting, where he easily worked with students of all ages and levels of musical experience to teach the fundamentals of drumming. I moved into private lessons with him, which he always balanced nicely focusing on a variety of things: technique, exercises, reading, listening and songs. He is very skilled and knowledgeable, dependable and a wonderfully nice guy. I learned so much from him in the years that I studied with him and was sad to see him leave Los Angeles. I highly recommend him as a drum teacher for students of all ages!
+ Read MoreAndrew has been teaching my son music lessons since July 2013, and we have been very pleased. He is always on time, communicates well, and is able to be flexible when our schedule is not 100% predictable.
My son was 7 when he began the guitar and after just over a year, we decided that it would be best to switch to the piano. Practicing the guitar was always a struggle. Andrew took this change from guitar to piano in stride and has enough piano skills to help my son learn all of the things that are important in music: reading, learning rhythm, etc. I have seen him teach younger students and I appreciate that he can adapt his teaching approach to match the age, ability and interest of the learner.
My son seems intrinsically motivated to learn the piano and practice. But even as he plodded away strumming his electric guitar unenthusiastically, Andrew always found a way to engage him. One of the more memorable techniques Andrew uses is to write out the music for the songs my son wants to learn. At that moment, it was a Pokémon song. I thought it was rather genius. Even though my son barely practiced, he wanted to learn that song.
By means of the piano, Andrew is teaching my son music, not just how to play songs on the piano. I am amazed at the progress he has made from not being able to reproduce rhythms to now being able to do so.
It is clear that Andrew enjoys teaching. He is personable and polite. I have referred him to family and friends and would not hesitate to hire him for drums, guitar and beginning piano.
Great Teacher!
Andrew Brown is a great teacher! I didn't have any music experience when I signed up for my first class, but he was extremely patient and despite a lack of natural rhythm I learned a lot in every session. Most lessons would incorporate exercises, learning a new beat or technique, learning a song by reading music and learning a song by listening to it. I was never bored during one of his classes as the material was always challenging enough to keep my focus, but not too hard to make me feel frustrated.
I would recommend Andrew Brown to anyone who wants to learn the drums! He's a great teacher and a really nice person!
Highly recommended!
Andrew is an outstanding drum teacher. I took lessons from him for about two years when he was based in Los Angeles. He is well-versed in a variety of teaching styles and I was always amazed by his skill whenever he improvised on the drum set. His ability to break complicated sequences into more digestible pieces was immensely helpful and was invaluable when tackling more challenging beats. He is also an exceptionally patient and encouraging teacher.
He is very receptive to teaching students what they are interested in learning. One of the parts of my lessons I looked forward to was applying what I had learned that class by playing along to some of my favorite songs.
Andrew was very flexible and willing to accomodate my ever-changing schedule. Really personable and funny, too!
I was bummed to hear he was moving to the east coast. If he were still in LA, I would absolutely still be taking lessons from him!