My classes vary depending on the drummer I am working with. As a starting point they stress reading, coordination, technique and good time keeping. I have been taking lessons on and off my entire life and they really do help. Working with someone who can bring you to a new place in your playing is incredible. It is a great to have someone coach you, to let you know maybe you are doing something a bit strange, or that there is an easier way to execute a pattern that you might have overlooked. So in addition to listening to, and going to see great players, try and learn from them in a one on one setting.

Reading: I’ve had drummers from the age of 5 to the age of 50 be able to read music. I have two reasons for this. One, you will most likely not remember what every groove or exercise we work on in a lesson will sound like. If you go home and can read it, it will always be there. Two, it helps to see what a groove will sound like. That can be a real help when it comes time to memorize a pattern so you can really concentrate on the sound you are creating. I use all sorts of reading tools from books, to hand written exercises to transcriptions of songs.

Coordination: The ability to keep your limbs working together while playing is a very important skill. The better control you have over your body, the more fun you can have. In addition to your two hands and two feet, I treat the voice as a fifth limb. So everyone learns to count and sing while they are playing.

Technique: If you have strong technique and good coordination there is no limit to what you can play. I really work with everyone to find the best way for them to hold the sticks, hit the drums and kick the pedals. Rudiments, sticking/pedaling exercises and the mollar stroke are all great things to have in your bag of tricks.

Time Keeping: If you play long enough your going have to record or play live to a metronome or some kind of pre-recorded music. To develop good time, I get music that I believe has good time, or that I know was recorded to a click, and we learn to play over it. I also make my drummers play with a metronome for at least part of their training. Playing with a click is a life long learning experience. The more you do it, the easier it gets and the better it feels.

If you are interested in lessons just email me, I will see what I can do for you.