Hello! So glad you've taken a moment to check out my page. I am a graduate of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, having received a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I have been teaching full-time for two years, and while I enjoy what I do in the school setting, nothing quite satisfies me as much as helping others one-on-one; it's just more personal and meaningful to me! I am a drummer and percussionist by trade, but I also have solid basic facility on piano and guitar. As far as my experiences go, I have performed in the following types of ensembles:
-Symphonic band
-Wind ensemble
-Philharmonic orchestra
-Percussion ensemble
-Jazz, ska, rock, and brass bands
-WGI (Winter Guard International)
-DCI (Drum Corps International)
I have also completed two recitals, with audio and video footage available to you upon request. My performances with the above groups have taken me around the country, as well as allowed me to perform in front of hundreds of active music educators at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, which is an international event. Outside of teaching professionally, I have instructed several drumlines and front ensembles for marching bands, and composed and arranged music for some of them. I am still currently working in the field, between teaching privately and touring with a rock band. While in this band, I have also amassed many hours of studio time, so I have become familiar with what is expected out of today's drummer.
I am currently located in Lincoln Square on the north side of Chicago, and am looking to keep my lessons local to the city. I am willing to travel to teach, but in that case, you must have your own drum set. Otherwise, I will happily welcome anyone into my home to get some work done! I live in a very accessible area, and there is a great musical culture around me that really spurs me to keep working and growing, both as a teacher and a musician.
Thank you SO much for taking the time to read up about me, and I am very much looking forward to hearing from you!
*** Lesson Details ***
A typical lesson with me consists of a few minutes of small talk, person to person, just to get to know one another and create a very comfortable atmosphere for us to learn and work together. I like to always start with reviewing what was last assigned, to allow my students to start with something that is fresh in their minds, and connect that material to new concepts in a smooth, exciting fashion. In the first lesson, time is spent carefully choosing goals and designing the best course of action to reach them. From there, in addition to what I feel my students need to address in our lessons, I always want them to have some input as to what comes next, so that the course of our lessons flow in a manner that helps students achieve their goals with me always there to guide them. I teach out of my home, and am also willing to travel for lessons, provided students are within a certain distance.
*** Studio Equipment ***
-4 piece Tama Imperialstar kit, 6.5x14/12/14/22
-Epiphone Special II electric guitar
-Breedlove Passport Series acoustic guitar
*** Travel Equipment ***
-2 snare drums with stands
-2 bell kits with stands
-Guitar, w/amplifier if needed
*** Specialties ***
-Drumset (primarily rock, funk, country)
-Concert/rudimental snare drum
-Keyboard percussion
-Basic guitar
-Music theory