Fairfax Station, VA Drum Lessons

about the BUSINESS should they have professional career related questions.

I also teach Studio session recording drumming techniques should you wish to become a top session recording drummer !!!

I have been around the world working with MAJOR famous recording artists touring out of Washington, DC and Los Angeles.

I teach 1/2 hour lessons and/or 1 hour lessons.

During each lesson, I give you plenty of material to practice over a week€™s time. WE WILL HAVE FUN.

Not many teachers in this area have my experience nor credentials. I love the drums more than anything and my enthusiasm should be evident during our lessons. Several of my students have gone on to major music colleges such as Berklee. One of my students is currently touring and working with Linkin Park. Another student is currently touring with Fall Out Boy.

When you take lessons from me, you will develop the skills to play in your school band with confidence, start your own band, or play at an advanced professional level.

I am great with young children as well as students of all ages. Additionally, I have experience with students requiring special needs.

I have all the patience in the world, remember, I was in your shoes years ago when I had a dream of learning how to play the drums !!!!

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON !!!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Large, private studio with all the equipment you will need to absorb the "pearls of wisdom" I will give you during your private one-on-one private lesson. Comfortable waiting room outside studio. Drum set, practice pad set, PA for playing any song you wish to learn loud enough so you can hear it over the studio drums.

*** Specialties ***
Drum set technique, snare drum technique, reading studies. Rock, Country, Jazz, symphonic, marching band etc., Studio session recording drumming techniques.

I teach both the MUSIC and the BUSINESS, for the aspiring or current professional.

atural talent and level of experience, but also progression and devotion. Whether the student is an adult looking to start a new and fun hobby, or a child with major aspirations to be come one of the greats, I can make sure either one gets the necessary instruction at a comfortable pace. Se Habla Español!

For beginning drummers, I like to start with fundamentals and light theory, and certain physical exercises (which help make the limbs independent of each other). I also like to get the student to familiarize themselves with the instrument. I start of with easy rhythms on a drum pad (usually from a beginners percussion book), and slowly work up to working with a high-hat, snare, bass drum configuration. Once you're ready for the fun stuff, we can start incorporating easy songs you've always wanted to play, and then start moving the difficulty level up and up. All in all I try to combine the fun that comes with playing along to the songs you love, with a strong foundation of fundamentals and theory which will help you progress faster but with ease. For students that have already had some experience either percussive or behind the kit, we can assess your level of experience and move from there.

For beginning guitarist, I begin by familiarizing the student with the instrument, and some very basic theory and tuning. We then move on to simple patterns to get those calluses on those finger tips. Then we start with chord charts and strumming rhythms. Followed by the fun stuff, which is actually playing a song. I am very open to my student's tastes and encourage them to bring in songs they would like to learn, because I when someone is familiar with a particular song, it can be almost as if your fingers naturally know what to do. I can teach both electric, classical acoustic, and steel acoustic guitars. For students who are further along, I like to assess their particular level first, and go on from there.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drums: I provide a full kit, with necessary extras to for accompaniment. A stereo for playback, some recording equipment if needed. Books and necessary copies, although I encourage students to purchase their own instruction books. practice pad and extra sticks, music stand
Guitar: Amps, pics, stereo for playback, recording equipment, mics for non electric/acoustics, music stand.

*** Specialties ***
modern rock, classic rock, blues, metal, punk, alternative

of all types, from rock and pop to big band to world music to orchestral to small combos and everything in between. In 2007, I embarked on a two and a half year gig with Princess Cruises as a show band drummer, and traveled the world on some of the world's most modern ships while performing on stage over 1000 times. From 2011 to 2013 I was the touring drummer for renowned Celtic/Gypsy/Americana band SCYTHIAN, a band which tours extensively and is known for their energetic live show. Other groups I have recently recorded and toured with include "Yall-ternative" fan favorites Mr. Fuzzy & The Barbarian and modern funk band The Royal Noise. In 2014 I relocated to College Park, MD and I love it!

*** Lesson Details ***
When we work together we will split lessons between the necessary mechanical aspects of the instrument and the more creative and spontaneous elements. At the beginning, I emphasize a relaxed technique and an efficiency of motion. Once this is established, we will explore the instrument through improvisation and other creativity exercises. Although drumming can be very technical, I never lose sight of the importance of groove, expression, and having fun while playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is complete with 2 drums sets, practice pads, computers, hand percussion instruments, and other instruments for accompaniment.

*** Specialties ***
I try to split lessons between the technical elements of drumming and the more creative aspects of the instrument. I feel that you can't have one without the other and teachers need to be mindful not to lean too much to one side. I also strive to give the students practical examples in their style of interest and encourage them to apply what they learn to actual musical situations as much as possible. I have had experience in pop/rock, jazz, show music, and many traditional world-music styles.

such as, science and mathematics.

Mr, Ray's comprehensive 3 step courses.

1. Learn the basics of the music language, reading and writing.

2. COUNTING. keeping time, the ruler of motion in music. 

3. Learn how to create beautiful melodies and syntax of song to discover the process of creativity with a structure toward musical thought.

Also. effective personal practice techniques and the basics of Improvisation and Composition. 

It is well documented that exposing children to music and the creative arts is a prerequisite to fundamental logical thought processes and schematic reasoning.

Music is organic FUN for kids of all the ages! 4 years to 104. Lol
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Recordings with artists and celebrities throughout the U.S. and Europe. Presentations of jazz and classical ensembles with rotating artists for hire of various genres of music.
You may consider me a Triple threat as they say, Singer, Dancer and Entertainer.

He has performed with notables such as Stevie Wonder,
Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, and Carmen Mac Cray.
Akademisches Festival Orchestra, Leipzig,
Kammerorchester de St. Laurentius, in Dessau, Germany.
National Gallery of Art Orchestra, and the
American University Symphony.
Howard University Community Orchestra
La Fete Musique, World-wide Busking Society.
MTA-Music Under New York
resently D.C. Concert Orchestra and DC Strings workshop
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ofessionally now for over twenty years. Some students want to take a few lessons to see if it is something they will enjoy, others have worked with me for over a decade. I have mentored several students who have gone on to professional careers. I have experienced a lot of success teaching young children and those with special needs. I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of patience and truly enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn.

Whatever your goals or abilities, I look forward to working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Experience fun based lessons as my teaching approach is relaxed and inspirational. I enjoy working with all ages, adjusting my teaching methods to accommodate your learning style and abilities. Learn to play the music you love! You learn best when you enjoy what you are playing, I can help you play along with your favorites or even write your own songs. I always ask my students at the beginning of a lesson "What would you like to do today?" Then structure the lesson accordingly into a routine that the student can practice on their own. Generally the time is divided into warm ups, learning new material, then picking a fun song the student choses. Whether your interest is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop music, etc... I'm here help you reach your goals so let's make your dreams come true with music together!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Books, Guitar, music stand, metronome, picks, tuner, page clips, capo, media player, laptop, Keyboard (on request), and recording equipment (on request)

*** Specialties ***
With Voice I specialize in helping people prepare for auditions such as American Idol. I have students who simply want to be karaoke stars. I have several professional singers that hire me as a voice coach and producer for recording sessions. I have taught children as young as 2 and those that retired with a lifelong dream to sing. Though my training is classical, I can teach Jazz, Pop, Rock, Rap, R&B, etc...whatever is fun for the student. I highly recommend learning to read music but I do not push it unless parents want their child to.

With Piano I can teach traditionally from Alfred and Bastien Piano Courses depending if they are auditory or visual learners. For Kinesthetic learners I use Hanon scale exercises and Rothman Rhythm Exercises. For those that want to learn notation I introduce classical and Jazz composers unless there is a popular artist/band/movie theme etc...that they would like to learn. However I do not push students to read music unless their parents would prefer it. I tend to keep more students that want to learn to play by ear especially adults by using rhythm training and music theory exercises and then applying them to songs they love. For piano I haven't had much success with children younger than 3. I also have a lot experience working with special needs children.

For Guitar I teach Classical, Acoustic, and Electric all styles and genres. I encourage sight reading but don't mind using tabs. I use more exercises with these students, since the first month students have a hard time making a sound. I try to make the lessons fun by having students strum chords along with songs they chose. I teach lead and rhythm even songwriting and composition. Job satisfaction for me is seeing my students leave a lesson with a smile on their face so I make sure to be a fun based teacher that doesn't give the student a hard time about not practicing.

For Recording and Performance I use the knowledge I gained doing Pro Audio Sales for Guitar Center from 2000-2002 to help clients build their own home studio. I have lots of producers and engineers I work with on a regular basis to produce broadcast quality audio and video recordings and help my students use their lessons and pre-production for those opportunities. I can teach Garage Band or Pro Tools classes on navigating the software and utilizing all the commands. I can also teach room acoustics and using the right microphone and how to position them with the right equipment and the right acoustics to get the best possible tone that they are looking for. I can also teach editing, mixing, looping, sampling, midi, and mastering so that the student can eventually work on their own writing, performing, and recording their music.

lege years and beyond I served as a percussion instructor and assistant band director at Morgan State University. As part of the Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine I served as a instructional leader in music and performance mentor for the team. I taught part time as a percussion instructor at Milford Mill High School giving individual lessons for over 10 years.

Musical inspiration is an important element to the refinement of my craft. A few personal musical influences are Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Neil Peart (Rush), Dennis Chambers, (Santana), George Gray (Roberta Flack), Ricky Wellman (Miles Davis), Quinton Mack-Davis (Rare Essence) and Michael Bland (Prince).

*** Lesson Details ***
Within the first three months of lessons student will gain a strong foundation of sight reading and basic drum techniques in both rudiment studies and playing the drum set. My style of teaching music consist of breaking each skill down into chunks and allowing students to learn using their individual learning styles. I utilize rewards for perfect practice and each lesson contains a safe, fun learning atmosphere with students exhibiting in their best behavior.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in store front studio, drum kit provided

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a practice pad. Students should have a drum set.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Funk, pop, and classical.

and piano. We can do this as a split one hour lesson, or alternate weeks. We will also work on ensemble playing by playing together.

NOTE: I CANNOT PROVIDE IN HOME TEACHING WITHIN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

- I specialize in rock, pop, blues, and funk styles. I teach drum set lessons to students age 5 through adult! I help students learn their favorite songs and can teach beats, fills, note reading, improvising, and fundamentals.

I love teaching lessons and sharing music with eager students. Music should be fun, yet it teaches the value of hard work and the rewards that come with it. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your musical goals!

productive. I am patient with students and able to communicate in a way that someone of any level can understand and relate with.