Janesville, WI Percussion Lessons

on and that learning to play music should be fun!

*** Specialties ***
Whatever style the student is attempting, I stress proper technique and understanding of theory.

eatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Regardless of your favorite band or style, I can help you accomplish your goals!

Piano is one of the most important instruments to learn, especially for children. The benefits are endless. For piano, I teach beginner through intermediate students. Piano is a popular choice because it has a very friendly layout with the keyboard. I use a proven 6 level method to take you from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Ode to Joy! I cover how to read sheet music and cover a wide variety of musical styles!

Do you like the deep, powerful sound of the bass guitar? Well, I cover that too! The bass is a FUN instrument that is very friendly to learn. If you ever want to join a band, the bass is essential instrument, because it goes well with the drums. I cover a wide range of styles from blues, funk, rock and jazz! Go for it!

As a kid did you set up pots and pans or pillows and hit them with spoons like I did? Well, then the drums may be for you! You can learn drums with a pair of sticks! Drums are a total BLAST to play, and if you are not one who wishes to read sheet music,then the drums are perfect for you! I cover a TON of different styles, and if you have a favorite drummer, you can learn to play like him or her relatively quickly!

Need academic help? Well I can help with that too! I tutor in most subjects, including: Math, Science, Reading, Writing Skills and ACT and SAT prep

Here is a breakdown of specific areas of subjects I teach and tutor with:

Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry
Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Reading: Comprehension, Analysis, Annotation and general reading improvement methods
Writing Skills: Essay Writing, Editing, Analysis
Test Prep: I can help with the GED, ACT and SAT

I offer private in-home lessons, lessons at my studio and on-line lessons!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect my lessons to focus on your goals. I cover a lot of fundamentals and basics to start, and then go through more advanced techniques as the student progress. In a short period of time, you will know chords, notes, techniques, rhythm and timings, just to name a few!

Guitar students will learn basic chords, barre chords and soloing techniques. Bass students will learn bass notes, bass lines and soloing.

Drum students will learn timing, fills, soloing and lead drumming.

Piano students will learn how to read music, fingering, chords and song performance.

For academic tutoring, I design my lessons around the specific need of the individual student. I thoroughly research each student needs and customize my tutoring around your child's strengths and weaknesses.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available:
Keyboard
6-string acoustic guitar
12-string acoustic guitar
Electric guitar
Bass Guitar
2 amplifiers
Full Drum Set

*** Travel Equipment ***
acoustic guitar, bass guitar

*** Specialties ***
I love and can play almost every style of music imaginable! Whatever style of music you like, I can help you improve and learn!

is on scales, theory, and also some duet playing. I also like to incorporate some music history into each lesson. I feel that each student needs to work from known to the new areas. I often use supplementary materials (solos or small ensembles) to reinforce my teaching.

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.

assical percussion and piano in college, eventually becoming Principal Timpanist for the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and also Guest Artist with the nationally acclaimed St. Louis Brass Band. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2002, Paul has played/recorded with WAL (formerly the Jacob and Matthew Band), Jane Lui, Danielle Rose, Warren Charles, Scott Detweiler, Hunter Parrish (from Showtime'€™s Weeds and Godspell on Broadway), Brendan James, Billy Mitchell, Bill Purdy, Don Kirkpatrick (Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker), Jeff Littleton (Herbie Hancock, Stanley Turrentine), John Thomas (Bruce Hornsby), Pete Anderson (Roy Orbison, Dwight Yoakam), and has opened for acts including The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Wailing Souls, Clint Black, Junior Brown, Rodney Crowell, and has also played for members of the Library of Congress. He has performed at numerous venues ranging from Lucas Oil Stadium, the Verizon Center (Washington, DC), and Cowboy Stadium to the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Hotel Café, the Roxy, and many others. Paul is an active educator and has taught at the Los Angeles College of Music and Music Performance Academy and has also studied with Steve Ferrone, Peter Erskine, Joe Porcaro, and Ralph Humphrey.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Yamaha DTX electronic drums in personal home studio and Pro Tools for recording lesson progress.

and arranged music for many as well, so I'm very comfortable helping students with a variety of disciplines and interests. My professional experience in both the civilian and military music communities has given me an open-minded yet direct approach to WHAT you should learn, and HOW to develop each student's individual skills. I'm able to teach most students to an advanced level.

those. I also like using songs by classic artists like The Beatles as they can provide a perfect (fun and familiar) platform to learn many different aspects of drumming and musical performance.

In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, I have a strong background in music theory and I want to make sure my students not only know how to play their instrument, but also become familiar with reading and writing music.

After a few months taking lessons, you or your child can expect to have a better understanding of music and have acquired the basic tools and techniques which will allow you to play your favorite pieces of music.

*** Travel Equipment ***

For drum set lessons, I will provide my own acoustic drum set as needed. It is highly preferred that the student have a drum set at their location. The student should also supply a location in which to have a private lesson.

*** Specialties ***

All styles of drumming

*** Curriculum ***

My curriculum changes depending on the student's ability level, age, and instrument of choice. I typically use a method book for reinforcement of musical fundamentals, and a supplementary "project" piece of music that the student enjoys playing and learning. I do this so that my students can see direct connections between music fundamentals and playing music that they enjoy. My own personal knowledge and experience as a musician is always added to each lesson as well.