I teach drum set, snare drum, and beginning/basic piano in Portland, Oregon— at my home studio in the Kenton neighborhood, and at student’s homes in the metro area— and worldwide online, via MS Teams, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime.

I’m quite happy teaching drummers of all levels— from absolute beginner to professional. My approach is unique and creatively empowering, and learnable all students, of any level of commitment. Students have complimented me on my patience, and ability to communicate things that were at first difficult for them.

The drums do not need to be a highly technical instrument— I believe that any student can learn to play music with people on the drums within a reasonable time. The instrument does not require any special talents for physical coordination or rhythm sense. It can be a people’s instrument, or a highly developed artistic tool, or anything in between, as your goals and ambitions develop.

Beginners
I’ve developed an accelerated program that teaches you real playing vocabulary as it introduces you to the basics of music. Hardworking beginners can be ready to play in a band with people within 6-9 months.

All ages are welcome and encouraged— I’ve had success with beginners from ages 7 to 70.

 

Intermediate drummers
Drumming education can be a scattershot affair— by design, in the case of many YouTube presenters— and many drummers come to me feeling very aware of their limitations, and overwhelmed by the amount of things they need to work on— they are told.

My program funnels all of that in a single creative direction, so you can choose for yourself how far you want to get into it, and when.

My students have been very enthusiastic about my ability to resolve long-standing technical and musical problems they’re experiencing.


Aspiring professionals
Advanced players already have a large amount of practice material available to them— their problem is often about deciding what not to work on. I am a professional player, and know what will be expected of you in professional situations, and can help you focus your efforts in ways that will get you the best real-world results.

Every advanced student comes to realize that there’s more to playing professionally than just technical prowess. I can help you with the following skills and knowledge you need to survive and thrive working in this field:

  • Professional standards of ability.
  • Mastery of styles you will be expected to know
  • Professional reading skills
  • Improvisation and soloing
  • Polishing your groove and time concept
  • Control over your dynamics
  • Expert musicality
  • Knowledge of standards of professionalism


The drumming artist
What makes one drummer’s performance seem competent but flat, and another’s magical? What is it to be an artist, and why should you think of yourself as one? Through my work as an improvising musician, visual artist and photographer, I have taken a wide interest in the creative process, and will help you learn how to think like an artist, and present yourself as one, and to recognize and develop your individual voice on the drums.

 

Recommended courses of study:

We can work out a program to accommodate most budgets, the following are usual:

WEEKLY – 1 HOUR – $70.00
This is our standard format; recommended for most intermediate to advanced students, 7th grade and older. For fastest improvement, best retention of lesson materials.

WEEKLY – 45 MINUTES – $55.00
This is my new “entry” drum lesson— I think it’s the best value for the money for students of moderate commitment.

WEEKLY – HALF HOUR – $45.00
This is best for very young students (4th-8th grade) and absolute beginners. I now recommend 45 minutes for most others.

BIWEEKLY – 1 HOUR – $70.00
Good for busy people or as a partial self-study program for advanced students. Recommended when students have built up a

MONTHLY – 90 MINUTES – $95.00
For students who mostly self-manage their practice time, but want regular, in-depth check-ins with a professional.

Prices are for lessons taught at my studio. I do teach at the student’s home starting at an additional $25 per lesson— depending on travel time.

Email, call, or text (503)380-9259 to schedule your first lesson today!