Drum Lessons in Ridgeway. Amazing Teachers.

Fun, tailored lessons that will have you laughing your way to success. I play and teach most styles of drumming.

Through my work with the M Gray Music Academy (Macy Gray) and my tenure at the Hollywood School of Rock as teacher and Show Director, I have developed successful programs for students ranging in age from 5 years old and beyond. I have mentored numerous young musical groups in beneficial rehearsal techniques, live performance and basically all the things you need to know about being in a band that wants to be great!

As we explore the exciting world of music, guitars, drums and percussion, we will cover all aspects of music theory, music history and ear training through video, audio and text examples.

Students will be provided with all the necessary tools to fully understand musical concepts and have the ability to play for recreation or at a professional level.

You won't need any books to start but I do suggest a small 3 ring binder for notes, literature, weekly hand outs and homework .

For drum students: we will start by evaluating your current level of ability and ...

Hi, I'm Hayden and I'm so excited for the opportunity to guide you on the next step of your drumming journey!

I am currently a Percussion Performance Major and Jazz Studies Minor at the University of Georgia. I've been playing for more than ten years now, and I've been teaching for six, whether that be through a private capacity, or with high school drum lines, group sessions, etc. Teaching is a huge passion of mine!

My teaching philosophy is one that addresses students as musical individuals, and combines the student’s goals with proven methodologies designed to build strong, refined technique, and great sound production on all instruments. Ideally, I am looking for students with a little experience under their belt, but I am always willing to take a beginner that has a desire to work hard and practice!

I offer instruction in most areas of percussion, students can choose to study a selection, or all of the following:

Snare Drum
Drum Set
Mallets Percussion (2 and/or 4)
Timpani
...

My teaching technique is learner-centered. I work with students to help them build a strong vocabulary of drum rudiments and have them apply their newly acquired drumming knowledge to the songs and genres that interest them most. I have found this to be ideal for those at the beginning and intermediate levels. For the advanced drummers out there, I may be able to assist with some minor application of technique or perhaps deviate from standard drumming practices to acquire a fuller awareness of the body's interaction with not only the drumsticks and drum set, but how to maintain total postural awareness.

For those interested in flamenco, I have a lifetime of experience with the rhythms of flamenco, am a professional cajón player, and study/perform flamenco guitar.

My teaching style is very flexible & hands on. My goal is to make beautiful music and I do this by taking technical exercises and giving them musical meaning. This means I focus on the ideas of time, vocabulary & dynamic playings, but within this still teaching essential technical exercises in order to create a well-rounded musician.

After each lesson I will email detailed notes, as well as any supplemental documents and/or music.

I have been performing and teaching professionally for 25 years. I am a Music Graduate from the University of North Texas. I have performed and recorded with many artists including Vince Neil (Motley Crue), Patti Labelle and Larry Carlton. I specialize in drum set, school band, jazz band, auditions, and drumline. I focus on what the individual student wants from lessons (learning songs, preparing for auditions or to be in a band, technique, reading, etc). Some of my students have gone on to University of North Texas and Berklee School of Music. I have students that play with King Diamond, Collective Soul, Paul Rogers (Bad Compay)... I have performed on television including Americas got Talent.