About My Teaching practice
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.
Jadon - K-8 student
When I start with a new student, I ask Three questions:
1) What drumming style(s) are you interested in?
2) What specific goals do you have for your drumming, short-term and long term?
3) How much time do you REALISTICALLY have to devote to drum practice per week?
After assessing your skill level, I develop a short term and long term plan for you, and explain my recommendations and what I expect from you as a student. I also invite any questions you may have.
Tim - adult student
General Elements of Lessons
Your answers to the above questions determine which categories we will work on from this list:
hand drills, coordination exercises, drum set grooves, improvisation, soloing techniques, playing along with recordings, short student compositions, duets, music reading, song form study, chart reading, learning specific songs, rudimental snare drum, orchestral snare drum, style studies
Jordan - high school student
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.
Monterrey Jazz Festival Summer Jazz Camp Class
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 product recommendations if you’d like.
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I offer a free 45 minute introductory lesson / meet- up. You can book that, and any subsequent lessons, by clicking on the button below.
Links to other pages on this site:
Info about other teaching activities
Info about my drum book, “Internalization”
photos by Gerhard Richter