
Tracy D.

Teaching Locations:

About Tracy D.
I have been playing the drum set in various bands since 2001. I have also been playing with the OKC Community Orchestra since 2009. I have played in symphonic and jazz bands and a percussion ensemble. I have taught a percussion class, private lessons, and I have been a full time music teacher in the OKC district. I have recorded in the studio also, and I enjoy doing a bit of my own production. Rocking on stage is my favorite activity! I can teach you how to be an integral part of a band and play along to your favorites. I enjoy bringing out the best in a student and teaching to his/her strengths. Let's run!
*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very easygoing and patient teacher. I fully understand that the drum set requires a high level of coordination, and I am mindful of this while working with students. I will begin with proper grip and stroke technique as well as the use of a metronome. I will teach the student to read rhythms and drum set notation. I know how to isolate difficult patterns, break them down into understandable parts, and reintegrate them into a piece. I like to use the music that a student enjoys to relate to the written music. I have found YouTube to be an indispensable tool for this, and my students have responded very well. I will work on snare drum technique as well, because it is the primary voice on the set, and the touch and nuance required to play it well relate to the set as well. I will tailor my instruction to suit the student's learning style and preferences. I want to make the learning fun, so I will help the student quickly gain the basic skills to play along with their favorite bands. This promotes musicality as well as solid time. It will also aid in transcription, which will come with development and is a valuable tool. I will use this in tandem with technique-building exercises to form a well rounded musician. I believe that a student should have a familiarity with his/her instrument, so we will also go over the anatomy and tuning of the set. Above all, music should be fun!
*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ drum set, hand drums, and seating for parents
*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a practice pad, snare drum, and sticks. If a student wishes to have drum set lessons in his/her home, that instrument should be there.
**Please note** I do have a drum set in my home.
*** Specialties ***
For the drum set, I am the most experienced in rock, country, and bluegrass styles. I am comfortable with both Stevens and Burton grips for mallet instruments.
1. *** See my article on drum set tips! ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-read-drum-sheet-music
2. ***See my article about the benefits of learning drums as an adult.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-to-drum-as-an-adult
3. *** See my article on Efficient Practice Methods. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-practice-drums-z07
4. *** See my article on Coordination Exercises. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/hand-eye-coordination-exercises-for-drummers-z07
5. *** See my article on Snare Drum Basics. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/5-exercises-to-master-snare-drum-basics-z07
6. *** See my Gear Guide article on drum sticks. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/which-drum-sticks-are-the-best-z07
7. *** See my Gear Guide article on Drum Sets. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/best-drum-set-brands-z07
8. *** See my Gear Guide article on cymbals. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-cymbals-z07
9. ***See my article about different grips.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-hold-drum-sticks-z07
10. **See my article about drum apps. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/apps-for-drummers-z07
11. **See my article about drum thrones. ***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-thrones-gear-for-drummers-z07
12. **See my article about nailing performances.**
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-performance-tips-z07
13. ***See my article about rudiments.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/7-essential-drum-rudiments-z07
14. ***See my article about tuning your drums.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-tuning-z07
15. ***See my article about reading drum charts/tabs.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-charts-for-beginners-z07
16. ***See my article about different types of sticks/effects.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/types-of-drum-sticks-z07#comment-910418
17. ***See my article about Bass Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/bass-drum-technique-z07
18. ***See my article on Snare Drum Technique.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-snare-drum-z07
19. ***See my article on Fills.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/drum-fills-z07
20.*** See my article on Different Drum Types.***
http://takelessons.com/blog/guide_to_different_types_of_drums_z07
Recording Credits: "The Mary Rose" and "Normandie" from the album, Demos and Premiers, by Callen Clarke and Kyle Dillingham
Reviews
Write a Review
I really enjoy my first lesson. Tracy is so easy to talk with and very knowledgeable about the acoustic guitar. Cant wait for my next lesson to learn more.

Tracy made it so much fun to learn. Just a total jammer and clearly loves playing.

Enjoyed the lesson

Tracy was wonderful! Very knowledgeable, warm, patient, and we’re looking forward to the next lesson!

Sid, had fun!

Looking forward to learning more with Tracy!

My daughter has really been enjoying her lessons with Tracy! Many thanks!

Grand daughter was very impressed with Tracy; said she was very nice and is very excited to continue lessons with her.

Tracy was very good. She very quickly transitioned from one instument to another for both of my boys lessons.

Tracy was great. Both my boys really enjoyed their lessons. She is well versed.

Tracy is great with my daughter and has really helped her learn the basics of guitar!

Great start! Tracy has a calm way about her that works really well with our daughter. She left her with some fun and doable homework for the next lesson. We’re excited to keep going.

My 11 year old son lost his drum teacher, and we found TakeLessons online. The hardest part is choosing a teacher because many are all top notch 5-Star rated. I picked Tracy D. seemingly at random!
What a lucky draw it turned out to be. Tracy is a real pro, with a great personality. It took my son less than a few minutes before he was comfortable, having fun, and learning new things (he has 1 year experience).
I’ve been a part time musician for over 40 years, and I can tell you when I meet someone that is a true professional musician and the right person to teach my son. That is this exceptional woman.

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Tracy did a wonderful job with my 12 year old today. I highly recommend her.

Tracy was good at engaging my 5 year old. She is very excited to learn more!

Tracy was very welcoming and patient! She asked music my son liked to increase interest and took the lesson from there!

She is the best!

She is the best!

Very patient with my daughter and excellent teacher we are so happy to have found her.

So much fun, very patient! Definitely looking forward to the rest of my lessons!

had a great time, looking forward to more lessons!

Off to a great start!

Very good with my son. He opened up more to her during the first lesson than in 3 months with his previous instructor.

She is thorough and patient! She was able to teach my son to actually read music, not just play it. Recommend!

My son is 7 years old and had his first drum lesson today. I have personally searched long and hard to look for a drum teacher that is great with children. While my son felt challenged by learning something new, Tracy made is extremely easy.
Great teacher for my son!
Tracy has been an excellent fit for my young son. She is very patient and varies the lesson to hold a young child's attention. She gives lots of praise and encouragement. She seems to have appropriate expectations for a 5 1/2 yr old and is good about communicating with him on a level he can understand. These are concerns I had when looking for a drum teacher for a child who is so young.
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosEducation
Bachelor of Music Education
Jan 2009 - Dec 2011Oklahoma Christian University
A.S. Business
Jan 2001 - May 2003Murray State
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
PK-12 Instrumental/General Music
Jun 2012Oklahoma Department of Education
Affiliations
Alpha Beta Gamma
Jan 2003Phi Theta Kappa
Jan 2002Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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