Piano with Matthew F.

I recently completed my Master of Arts in Jazz Studies from San Jose State with an emphasis in drum set performance and jazz composition. I also completed my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from San Jose State where I mainly studied snare drum, timpani, and mallet percussion, but also studied the fundamentals in brass, woodwinds, strings, and voice. Additionally, I took private jazz drum set lessons to focus on becoming a versatile musician and teacher. As an undergraduate student I had the opportunity to teach percussion courses at a music camp to students between the ages of 6 and 17 that had no prior music experience. I developed daily music lessons to help all the students understand musical concepts and performance techniques. This opportunity helped me understand the importance of teaching music to children and how every student has a different way of learning. I always strive to shape my teaching style to my students needs. As a drummer, I love to perform many different styles such as Rock, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Funk, Blues, and Pop. I had the opportunity to play in the following ensembles while attending San Jose State University: Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Three-time Grammy Nominee Wayne Wallace; Symphonic Band; Marching Band; Jazz Combos; and Percussion Ensemble. I have also played in various musicals throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area. Playing in all of these different ensembles has not only exposed me to variety of musical styles but also made me as comfortable playing in a group setting as in a solo context. *** Lesson Details *** In my lessons I like to help students achieve their musical goals and also make it fun. Lessons will be tailored to the needs and interests of each individual student. I will teach students proper technique and warm-up exercises that will provide them the skills required for the instrument. We will also work on various musical exercises to help strengthen the student's music vocabulary. Students will learn drum grooves from different musical styles such as Rock, Funk, Blues, R&B, Latin, and Jazz according to their area of interest. I also like to have students play along with musical recordings to have them actively listening and exposed to different kinds of music. My goal is ensure that students enjoy every lesson but also that they take away a better understanding of playing the instrument and have fun. *** Studio Equipment *** practice rooms w/ piano, drum set room, seating for parents. Parents are always welcome to sit in on the lessons. *** Travel Equipment *** Drum students should have drum sticks, drum pad, and a binder to hold all music that is given during a lesson. *** Specialties *** I specialize in drum set and orchestral percussion. Styles include: Rock, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Funk, Blues, and Pop. I had the opportunity to play in the following ensembles while attending San Jose State University: Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Three-time Grammy Nominee, Wayne Wallace, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Combos, and Percussion Ensemble. I have also played in various musicals.