FAQ's
What do I need to start lessons?
All you need to get started is an engaging attitude! If you don't have a drum set, or even sticks, believe it or not, there is much you can do to develop your skills!
That said, short of obtaining an acoustic or electric drum set, aspiring drummers would benefit from obtaining the following materials (in order of priority): 1) STICKS -- go to a music store and see which ones you like 2) DRUM PAD -- there are ways around owning one, but every drummer typically has at least one drum pad! 3) METHOD BOOK -- there are MANY drum method books out there; it is highly recommended for students to work out of one or two. I'll be happy to make recommendations or provide pdf's and other supplementary materials.
That said, short of obtaining an acoustic or electric drum set, aspiring drummers would benefit from obtaining the following materials (in order of priority): 1) STICKS -- go to a music store and see which ones you like 2) DRUM PAD -- there are ways around owning one, but every drummer typically has at least one drum pad! 3) METHOD BOOK -- there are MANY drum method books out there; it is highly recommended for students to work out of one or two. I'll be happy to make recommendations or provide pdf's and other supplementary materials.
What if I have no rhythm?
Nonsense! Everyone has rhythm! With the right attitude and a little time, you will prove your old self wrong by strengthening your innate abilities.
Do I have to learn to read music?
Not necessarily. But if you are open to it, I think you'll find it to be very worthwhile and approachable. In fact, visualizing rhythm will help you better understand and conceptualize drumming and grow your abilitities.
What if I don't own an instrument?
No drums? No sticks? No problem! There is PLENTY of good work that can be done without an instrument. I can provide many approaches to develop timing, coordination, and overall musicianship.
I can't practice at home!
There are many neighbor-friendly options for playing drums at home. Towels and 'SoundOff' drum mutes can dampen acoustic drums; other options include practice pads, electronic drum sets, or digital drum stations.
What if I can't afford lessons?
I strive to keep both lessons and classes accessible and affordable, and I never turn anyone away for a lack of funds. Partial scholarships are available to serious students who could not afford lessons otherwise; they necessitate practice, achievement, and attendance requirements, as well as an initial letter or email outlining the financial reasons behind the request.
I am open to trades as well. Apprenticeships are also available. If you love music I would love to teach you!!!
I am open to trades as well. Apprenticeships are also available. If you love music I would love to teach you!!!
I want to perform!
Yes!!! Performing in front of people is often the biggest source of motivation and joy for musicians. There's just something about it!!!
If that is one of your goals, let me help you achieve it! There are a number of ways to perform in your community. Lets fast track that process!
If that is one of your goals, let me help you achieve it! There are a number of ways to perform in your community. Lets fast track that process!
How long until I become good?
Just like anything else, development depends on the time and energy invested. Therefore, if you stay the course with drumming, you will significantly impress yourself in less then a year's time. The important things is to maintain motivation; to which I say to my students... sit down, explore, and enjoy! Just love to play! Don't worry, the concepts covered in lessons will creep into those practice/jam sessions.
For example, from the time I was 12 years old, I would play for a couple minutes here and there because I was bored, or longer because I was having a great time working on something. Either way I was investing time and energy.
Make 'practice' a labor of love! Improvement is inevitable! (Oh, and if you have the discipline to practice a little every day, even when you don't feel like it, your improvement will undeniably noticeable!)
For example, from the time I was 12 years old, I would play for a couple minutes here and there because I was bored, or longer because I was having a great time working on something. Either way I was investing time and energy.
Make 'practice' a labor of love! Improvement is inevitable! (Oh, and if you have the discipline to practice a little every day, even when you don't feel like it, your improvement will undeniably noticeable!)
What should I practice?
You probably already know what you want to play, what you're already inclined to learn and explore. My goal as a music teacher is to assist that progression. By illuminating concepts and providing exercises.
But, in the end, the most important thing is that 1) you are inspired to 2) keep playing!
But, in the end, the most important thing is that 1) you are inspired to 2) keep playing!
Can I be self-taught?
Yes, especially with the countless online resources of today. BUT, there is no substitute for direct tutelage! An experienced teacher can provide an immediate assessment and specific steps to achieve your goals. This will save you countless hours of research and potential fumbling.