Lesson Details
About
- Teaches students:
- Females 5+, males 4+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- August 1996
Outside of teaching percussion and musical performances I have worked in special education for over 15 years.
My life of music started knee high at the age of 4 playing drums and piano. At the age of 15 I gave my first musical performance, from that stage on I knew my talent had found a home.
In the 11th grade I toured with a local funk group in Washington DC through 26 cities learning music and the life of travel at an early age. During my last high school and college years I performed extensively playing classical, jazz, rock, funk, go-go, gospel, marching band, R&B, and with local rap artist.
Recording credits and highlights include work with Def Jam artist Steady Eddy, recording go-go Mario with Double Agent Rock, and recordings with Little Benny and the Masters.
My other musical passion is teaching. Throughout my college years and beyond I served as a percussion instructor and assistant band director at Morgan State University. As part of the Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine I served as a instructional leader in music and performance mentor for the team. I taught part time as a percussion instructor at Milford Mill High School giving individual lessons for over 10 years.
Musical inspiration is an important element to the refinement of my craft. A few personal musical influences are Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Neil Peart (Rush), Dennis Chambers, (Santana), George Gray (Roberta Flack), Ricky Wellman (Miles Davis), Quinton Mack-Davis (Rare Essence) and Michael Bland (Prince).
*** Lesson Details ***
Within the first three months of lessons student will gain a strong foundation of sight reading and basic drum techniques in both rudiment studies and playing the drum set. My style of teaching music consist of breaking each skill down into chunks and allowing students to learn using their individual learning styles. I utilize rewards for perfect practice and each lesson contains a safe, fun learning atmosphere with students exhibiting in their best behavior.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in store front studio, drum kit provided
*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a practice pad. Students should have a drum set.
*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Funk, pop, and classical.
Experience
Special Education Teacher
Oct 2015 - PresentI teach Special Education Music History and English in a High School setting.
Education
Music Performance Percussion
May 1991 - PresentEducation Administration
Jan 2009 - Jun 2011Languages
French
French
Certifications
Education Administration
Aug 1999Photos & Videos
12 Reviews
Write a ReviewGreat lessons.
Our son has never played in a marching band before but is interested in playing in the marching band when he attends college in July so we were specifically looking for an instructor who had marching band experience to teach our son since he's never participated in the marching band in high school. We saw Mr. Stewart's profile and decided to have him work with our son. That was the BEST decision that we could have ever made. We have been nothing but impressed with Mr. Stewart. He definitely has the gift of teaching and he is very patient, knowledgeable, and he challenges our son to get better by giving him homework after each session. Our son absolutely LOVES Mr. Stewart and he is always excited for each lesson and to practice what Mr. Stewart has taught him. Our son went from not playing in the marching band at all in high school to making his college band and receiving a scholarship all thanks to Mr. Stewart. We are very grateful for his outstanding teaching and we would definitely recommend Mr. Stewart 100%.
+ Read MoreCharles is calm and patient, and yet gently pushes for better and better performance every lesson. As the parent, it is amazing to me to see how much my son has learned in only 3 lessons... and working on a drum set right from the beginning has been very inspiring to my son. We highly recommend Charles!
+ Read MoreMy son had his first drum lesson with Charles and he was very impressed. He thought Charles was very patient and did a great job of explaining everything. He is very much looking forward to his next lesson. Would definitely recommend Charles to anyone.
My son's reaction after one lesson: Charles is awesome!
I whole-heartedly agree! He jumped right in, asked some great questions and quickly deduced Jonathan's skill level.
He was able to give him something tough enough to really challenge Jonathan, but still within his range to be able to do..
Great!
Charles is an outstanding piano instructor. His wisdom, patience and knowledge in music will certainly help my son to succeed in learning how to read music, in addition to helping him excel in playing the piano. I am very appreciative. Thank you Charles.
Ms. Wells
Our 5 year old son is currently taking lessons with Mr. Stewart. Mr. Stewart is a fantastic teacher who is able to communicate effectively with our son. Mr. Stewart sets expectations at the beginning of each class and gives assignments until the next lesson. He asks that our son dedicate ten minutes a day to his lessons. We are overjoyed that our son has learned so much in just three lessons. We look forward to a wonderful journey with Mr. Stewart.
+ Read MoreMr. Stewart is the best instructor you will need to start off with your child's music lessons. He has a way of getting down to your child's level and making them comfortable and excited about their lessons. My daughter can't wait for her next lesson every week. She looks forward to meeting Mr. Stewart and follows every instruction Mr. Stewart's gives her including the number of minutes she needs to practice each day. I highly recommend Nr Stewart for your child's lessons as I purchase additional lessons for my daughter.
+ Read MoreMr. Stewart is the best instructor you will need to start off with your child's music lessons. He has a way of getting down to your child's level and making them comfortable and excited about their lessons. My daughter can't wait for her next lesson every week. She looks forward to meeting Mr. Stewart and follows every instruction Mr. Stewart's gives her including the number of minutes she needs to practice each day. I highly recommend Nr Stewart for your child's lessons as I purchase additional lessons for my daughter.
+ Read MoreExcellent couldn't have been better
Mr.Stewart has the gift of teaching, my son started at a very young age he is now 11. Mr. Stewart has the patients of a saint he takes his time to make sure my son as full understanding of the music as well as informing me as the parent his progress He has recitals that are out of this world.. He is the best there is he is also a former professional drum player that played in a popular local band as well as he now has his own band he plays in so the experience goes without saying..
+ Read MoreMr. Stewart is a consummate professional who takes great care in working with my son. His patience and positive attitude are a plus. I'm pleased with the level of service provided and his willingness to accommodate our busy schedules. We've seen great improvement since my son started taking lessons with Mr. Stewart and would highly recommend him to others.
+ Read More