My approach to teaching.

Different people,

Different learning styles

After teaching students of all ages, levels and ambitions, for over 40 years now, I deeply understand the need for a wide variety of personal and pedagogical approaches.

When I start with a new student, I ask several questions:

What drumming style(s) are you interested in?

What specific goals do you have for your drumming, short-term and long term?

How much time do you REALISTICALLY have to devote to drum practice per week?

After assessing your skill level, I develop a general long term plan for you, explain my recommendations and what I expect from you as a student.

I also invite any questions you may have.

General Elements of Lessons

Your answers to these questions determine which categories we will work on:

hand drills, coordination exercises, drum set grooves, improvisation, soloing techniques, playing along with recordings, short student compositions, duets, reading improvement, general song form study, chart reading, learning specific songs, rudimental snare drum, orchestral snare drum, style studies

It’s all about Buy-In and intentions

It is critical to your success that you are conscious of your goals, which of course may evolve over time. Parents of young students should also be clear about your goals and expectations for your child’s drum lesson experience and outcome. I encourage open communication and welcome updates from students and parents about issues that may arise along the way.

Equipment

Ideally, each student will have, at a minimum:

• a snare drum

•a snare drum stand

• a pair of drum sticks (5A or 5B)

• a music stand.

• a metronome (either a physical one or a digital app version, which you can get for free online)

recommended: a 12”-14” gum rubber practice pad (to help reduce ear damage when playing repetitive drills and such). I can make recommendations if you’d like.

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If you’re interested in possibly studying with me online, I offer a free 45 minute introductory lesson / meet- up. You can book that, and any subsequent lessons, by clicking on the tab below.