Drums with Mike K.

Learning to play an instrument is a mixture of a lot of fun, and a lot of hard work. My strength is finding what will inspire my students to WANT to put in those difficult hours of practice, and then showing them how to apply what they have learned in a creative way, so that they experience the fun that music is supposed to be. I help my students set - and reach - achievable goals. Learning this skill teaches them self esteem and also helps them discover their own learning style - a valuable tool, even if they do not pursue a career in music! I am gentle, but honest when a student arrives for a lesson unprepared, and am equally honest and enthusiastic when they demonstrate that they have put forth the effort to succeed. I am not accepting many students, so that I can keep my schedule very performance heavy. This makes me a better teacher, and means that I only retain students who really want to progress. I have been a drummer/percussionist in the Indianapolis music scene for nearly forty years. I regularly perform with the top players in many different genres and have played and recorded in a wide variety of venues and musical situations. In addition to playing my first instrument: the drum set. I also perform on various instruments, including: steel pan, vibraphone, and congas. I have extensive experience as a teacher beginning 30 years ago teaching at IRC music and Carmel Music Center. My music education followed the classic route of mentoring under a local expert while working professionally. I studied for 16 years with Charles Mastropaolo (drummer for the Ed Sullivan show, and local jazz great) and was trained by him in improvisation, rudimental drumming, score reading/interpretation, Latin drumming, vibraphone, and performing all styles on the drum set. I have also been a member of the vibraphone workshop online teaching community for nine years. As a member, I have been able to further my education on all mallet instruments by online lessons with some of the top vibraphone players in the world. I look forward to working with you!