Oakton, 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. I am also available for lessons in your home.

*** 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.

dridge. So I really specialize in the old rock and roll, classic rock, hard rock and metal from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, all the way up to today's rock, metal and pop music. I believe my years of experience are valuable in relating to each students musical interests ,desires and accomplishments on the drums. After my original band Black Widow decided to go on a long break several years ago I was offered a drumming position in a local classic rock and metal cover band. So besides teaching I have continued to satisfy my love for playing drums and performing with that band. Which gigs out on a regular monthly bases.
*** Lesson Details ***
I make sure that I find out from the get go what each and every new student likes musically and what they want to learn and how far they want to go on the drums. Then I try to tailor all the lessons to each students interests and abilities. Making sure that it's fun for them in the process. This can't be work or a chore or they won't stick with it. But I will say I do believe that every beginning student who has NEVER sat behind a kit before should know and start with the fundamentals ( the building blocks so to speak) of drumming such as holding the sticks, proper stick control and technique, and how to execute some important basic rudiments and keep good time. Also I think learning to read some drum notation is important so you know and understand what you are playing when you play it, but can teach by ear also. I can also teach double bass technique if a student is interested in that.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Works space w/two drum sets, one double-bass and one single. Instruction material (books, CDs, videos). Seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If necessary to travel to a students home, they should have a drum kit there or at least a practice pad to get started on. I will bring sticks, a metronome if needed and the necessary instruction books for the lessons. Also willing to travel to a students home if they are just getting started and need help setting up their kit or need help tuning the drums.

*** Specialties ***
Mostly specialize in beginner to intermediate ages 7 and up teaching rock ( which includes old rock and roll from the 50's, blues), classic rock ( 60's and 70's) , hard rock and metal from the 80's all the way up to today's rock, pop and metal music. Believe it or not, it's all tied together. Let me show and teach you how.

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.

y and excitement into each lesson as possible. Even if there are no signs of progress, the most important thing is to encourage the student because getting better at your instrument is exponential and will usually start off sluggish.

My first steps into getting to know the student better is to begin with having them choose a style of music that they like and play along with some of their favorite artists, in order for them to loosen up and get excited for learning. When I feel the student is fully comfortable and ready to begin our learning process, I will also have them play along with a style more complex, or out of their comfort zone, if you will. This establishes a sub conscious goal that they will want to reach every time they pick up their instrument which result in long-term commitment, respect and understanding of music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Before taking lessons with me, there are only 2 things you need to know:

.You are REQUIRED to express your creative side with 100% honesty, there will be no holding back in creativity in my classroom!

.Keep in my that though we want you to be as open as possible, I will often have strict guidelines for the benefit of your musicianship. It may seem like I may push you sometimes and it may seem to get boring and pointless.. but your musicianship will improvement exponentially with each lesson!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drums/Percussion:

.Roland TD-9 Electronic Drumset
.DW-4 piece Acoustic Drumset
.Pearl 6 piece Acoustic Drumset
.Bongos
.Remo Roto Toms

Audio Production:

.General DAW's (Audio Software)
.Komplete 8 Ultimate
.M-Audio M-Box Interface
.Ibanez Electric Guitar
.2 Acoustic Guitars
.Midi Controller/Interface
.Baby Blue Bottle Microphone
.2 KRK 6's Studio Monitors

w/ sound proof insulated room to amplify the clearest sound possible.

*** Specialties ***
My drumming personality derives from Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop, Metal, Rock, Electronic and Pop. I have extensive live performance experience in such genres.

m very easy going and love answering any questions you may have in our lesson times.

Blessings!

and am proud to still be one of their most employed educators and clinicians. Currently I drum and write for on-the-rise Indie Electronic trio, Prinze George, neo-soulstress Edy Blu, and freelance with many local artists of various genres and styles including jazz, latin, pop, rock, funk, and many more. Let's jam!