Songwriting with Michael L.

I was inspired by drums at a very young age. My intro was playing along to the stereo hitting the floor with a unmatched pair of sticks. At age 12 I received a drumset and was able emulate some rock drumming style pretty fast. My learning hit a plateau soon after tho. My discipline for drum books and practice was very poor in the beginning. Attending Musicians Institute in 1987 was the starting point of my commitment to myself to improve and be the best player i can be. I Graduated from MI with Honors and started playing with bands and continued to practice many hours a day. By 1994 I was teaching 30 -60 students a week. I have maintained that schedule for 15 years. By 1997 I was playing live 2- 4 night a week every week for many years. I have played Thousands of shows in my career. Playing live is one of the best teachers. I help students who want to play on stage, in front of a audience prepare for it. Another significant part of my education was studying the physiology of playing drums (or any musical instrument.) This had a major positive effect on my practice habits and i bring this info to my students in a "short and sweet" manner of explanation. I will give you the facts of improving on a musical instrument. I also love the art of songwriting and been fortunate to win several songwriting awards with my band Cohesive in 2008, 2009 and 2010 *** Lesson Details *** One of my lessons styles is designed to get you playing from your imagination. Improvisation inspired by the sounds you are creating. In that process I will give you important information about how you earned the sound, so you can always be inspired to create. This can be a fun method for many people. Others students favor playing 2 drumsets at the class and like to rely on the visual aspects of learning. I have studied the physiology of playing a musical instrument in detail. I like to sprinkle in the facts while we are learning a pattern or piece of music. This knowledge can greatly enhance your practice results. Students are Always welcome to share more specific things they are interested in working on. I enjoy teaching all drumset concepts including Linear style, Ghost Notes, compound stickings, double bass style, rudiments, rudiment applications, soloing, ostinatos. I have a few highly recommended method books that work very well. I also really like when students bring in a song they like. My teaching style is a laid back style but i do love to discuss and exercise strong discipline to students who are open to it. 3 months into lessons you can expect to be playing a number of different beats and song(s). I am very good at recognizing the way you are most comfortable learning. I also play piano and guitar and have access to both instruments at your lesson so we can jam when you want. *** Studio Equipment *** Studio rooms: several drum kits, computer, recording gear, PA sound system Piano and Guitars. video taping lessons available *** Travel Equipment *** Drum Pad, Snare, Sticks It would be good if student had a drum set at home but not completely necessary in the beginning. *** Specialties *** I am very accomplished on Drumset. I play and study all styles Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, Fusion, Big Band, World and all drumset concepts Linear, Compound stickings, Ghost Notes, Rudiments and rudimental application. Rhythm/Timing, Physiology Soloing, Ostinatos, Odd Meters, Odd Note Groupings, 4 way co-ordination,