Advanced, Beginner, and Intermediate Drumming Lessons Near Hatfield, PA
Beginner
The beginner level class is perfect for first-time drum students. They will learn proper techniques in support of matched or traditional grip, introduction to rudiments, reading, and rhythm with application on the drum set! The student will learn basic grooves and beats very quickly!
In this video Mike demonstrates basic Rock & Jazz Rhythms with application of the first series of Rudiments on fills around the kit!
RECOMMENDED BEGINNER SUPPLY LIST
I recommend the new drumming student begin with 5A or 5B size sticks with a wooden tip. I do not recommend synthetic drum sticks early in the drummer‘s studies.
A basic tool in the drum student’s development is the drum pad. It allows for practice at the student’s convenience and allows for valuable practice at a low volume while the student is learning rudiments, proper technique, and reading applications. If the student is unable to find a stand-mounted drum pad, a tabletop drum pad will work.
Stick Control
by George Lawrence Stone
Buddy Rich Snare Drum Rudiments
by Buddy Rich and Henry Adler
rockin’ Bass Drum
by John Lombardo & Charles Perry
The student needs to practice evey day to advance their knowledge and skill and meet their goals
If you love what you do, you’ll never want to stop!
I promise to keep the lessons fast paced and fun!
Intermediate
The intermediate level builds on the skills acquired in the beginner class. Students explore more sophisticated rhythms and grooves and learn different musical styles. Emphasis on application and experiential learning is a big focus here. The student's repertoire begins to build and take shape, being weighted towards the student‘s interests and balanced to ensure successful achievement of goals
In this video Mike shows examples of adding color to Rock Rhythms, a salute to John Bonham’s Classic “Good Times Bad Times” groove, a modern Latin Jazz Fusion Rhythm example, some more advanced Jazz Grooves, and lastly a traditional Samba Rhythm!
Advanced
The advanced program is where it all comes together for the drummer. Working with polyrhythm and leveraging advanced techniques is the cornerstone of the program. We will take deep dives into the approach of some of the world's great drummers to advance the student's overall capacity for playing anything that comes their way! A good deal of self-directed learning is applied here as the student will have more defined goals and tastes in music at this time. It is the AMAZING culmination of all the work the student has put into the program!
In this video, Mike shows how the emphasis on Rudiments and capability building pays off with Advanced Rudiment Rhythms based on Snare Drum Drum, Polyrhythm, and exploring what’s possible with a short Solo pulling it all together!
Frequently Asked Questions HELPING YOU DECIDE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is one of the best and most frequently asked questions I get from parents of students and students themselves! The right answer is it depends. I have successfully taught students at the age of 6 and all the way up to their 60s and 70s! If you are interested in learning and love music, I will customize a program designed to help you learn and grow. And... we’ll have a lot of fun along the way!
My recommended lesson duration is largely age-dependent. A drum lesson in my program is divided into two main sections. The first is focused on technique, reading, and drum rudiments and related topics. The second section is application on the drum set or marching/concert snare drum depending on the student's goals. Those sections are extended and shortened based on the overall length of the lesson, student’s progress, and attention span. So... there are times where the half-hour lesson is best for the very young student (8 years old or less)
No! I’ll teach you... we’ll build your ability step-by-step, week-by-week. And, before you know it, you will understand, read, and interpret the music that is written. Showing students that THEY CAN and watching their confidence grow is absolutely the best thing for me to see as their teacher!
It’s all very exciting when a student begins... and for most students, the fire to learn is lit and playing becomes a joyful, lifetime journey into the world of drumming and music. For some students, they find that they prefer other interests. Therefore, I recommend a modest investment to start. It’s important to know that in many cases, my students begin lessons with me with just a couple of pairs of sticks and a drum pad. Lastly, I will help you along the way with your decision to buy a set of drums when the appropriate time comes.
This is a great question with a very simple answer and a choice for the parent. Yes, a parent can always sit in the drum studio and observe the student’s lesson, their progress, and my approach as a teacher. However, an important consideration is that children seek to make their parents proud and having their parents sit in the room while the lesson is going on can be a distraction to learning. Therefore, I recommend parents wait in the very comfy seating area outside the drum studio. They will be able to hear the progress of the lesson and will be right there in case the need arises.