Percussion with Matthew G.

A drum instructor since 1988, I'm a graduate of Musicians Institutes Percussion Institute of Technology (P.I.T.) and hold a Bachelor of Arts from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. I teach beginning to advanced drums to students of all ages. Before relocating in San Diego, I was a full-time instructor for The Drum Circuit Drum School in San Luis Obispo where I was teaching 200 lessons a month. Originally, I'm a native of the Los Angeles area where I taught for the Van Nuys and Alamany High School music programs. I've been lucky enough to study with some of the music industry's very best educators including: Steve Houghton, Jeff Porcaro (Toto), Joe Porcaro, Casey Schurell (Frank Zappa) Efrin Torres (Latin and World), Chuck Flores (Jazz Legend), and Ralph Humphrey. These professionals provided me with the foundation for a teaching career that is now into its 25th year. Outside the practice rooms, I'm an on-call, independent performer / contractor and clinician. Some of my credits include performances/recordings with Jon Anderson of Yes, Award winning songwriter Maia Sharp, (Bonnie Raitt, The Dixie Chicks), nationally recognized blues band Pryor Baird and the Deacons, and many other noteworthy talents. I've also performed for various stage productions in the Los Angeles area, such as Little Shop of Horrors, How th Succeed in Business, and Once Upon A Mattress. Currently, Matt can be found performing with "the ultimate Santana Tribute band" - SantanaWays as well as a number of other musical projects I work hard to implement teaching techniques that encompass all styles of drumming and performance. Sight reading, rudiments, chart interpretation, soloing, hand/foot control, independence, and working in a band are just a few areas of focus. It may sound like it's difficult - but you can do it all and I'll prove it to you. 25 years of teaching experience has not only taught me patience but has given me the tools to encourage, develop and refine the abilities of any student. (And that means you :) *** Lesson Details *** Don't worry. First things first, you're going to make mistakes so don't be afraid to. If you don't make any mistakes during a lesson, you can go ahead and teach me. I'm really laid back with my approach to lessons: we'll talk, we'll play, I'll explain a few things and boom - you're playing' drums better than ever. If experience has taught me anything, it's that a student can not be forced to practice. However, even the younger students understand the idea of "you get out of it, what you put into it". I pride myself in being able to make lessons enjoyable and thereby the student is going to want to learn more and in turn, practice more. I will give you all you can handle - when you're ready. Playing to music is essential - it's what we're going to strive to do right? Students should try to have an MP3 player of some sort: Ipod, ipad, smart phone etc.. I'll bring one just in case so we can plug in, listen to your jams and play. *** Travel Equipment *** Students should have their own drums. Minimum of a practice pad and Drum Sticks. (Available if needed). Music paper and a folder or binder. *** Specialties *** Drummers need to be versatile and more often than not, versatility is limited by two factors: physical independence and music interpretation. Out of the gate, I focus on these two hugely important aspects of modern drumming so that the student may better pursue their desired style with as much freedom and knowledge as possible.