Percussion with Stephen D.

Hi, thanks for visiting my profile! I love teaching. I hope you find this information useful. I have over 30 years of combined education and experience performing and teaching percussion and piano. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Alabama,with Piano as my secondary instrument. I hold a Master's Degree in Percussion Performance from Indiana University, with a Cognate in Jazz Studies. I have taught private percussion, drum set, and piano lessons for over 30 years. I performed for 10 years as a contract percussionist with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Macon Symphony Orchestra, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. I have performed in orchestras with accomplished musicians including The Moody Blues (Chastain Park), Judy Collins, and Henry Mancini. *** Lesson Details *** I like my students to have some fun while they learn. I ask that you practice 30 minutes a day, so that you can spend your lesson time learning and moving forward. For piano, I use the Alfred series, as well as the Real Book (jazz standards), and of course sheet music for classical pieces and popular tunes. After three months, you will have learned how to play the basic scales and chords, as well as some introductory classical and popular material. On drums after six months, you will know the first thirteen rudiments and some of the basic rock beats, and you will be playing with some rock ballads. After six months on piano, you will be playing all of the major scales and chords and the basic minor chords. You will be playing some Bach and Mozart, and you will start on some basic jazz standards. On drums, you will have learned most of the 26 basic rudiments, and you will be playing along with some medium tempo rock songs. You will have learned some coordinated independence to start playing jazz and swing styles (which by the way are the building blocks for playing R&B and hip-hop). And you'll enjoy the journey! I enjoy seeing my students grow as they learn. I have had students of mine go on to play in the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, get advanced music degrees, and become recording artists. The former Percussion Instructor at the University of Alabama was my percussion student. While I know that not everyone seeks to play professionally, you will learn the tools to play well. I look forward to teaching you! Note: I will ask for an adult to be present during the lesson for any minor child (less than 18 years of age). *** Studio Equipment *** Front and side entrance upright piano in living room plus drum set, electronic keyboard, seating for parents. *** Specialties *** Drums --- Rock, Jazz Percussion --- Rudimental, Symphonic Piano --- Jazz, Jazz Theory, Popular