Frequently Asked Questions

While my exact teaching approach will vary from student to student, essentially it comes down to: a) determining the students goals; b) assessing their current skill level; and c) developing a curriculum to help them improve their proficiency in order to meet their goals. For example, for a high school age student looking to audition for marching band, we'll spend the majority of lesson time building hand technique through rudiments and stick control exercises, along with a good amount of music reading. For a drummer looking to sharpen their skills and better their performance with their band, we'll identify those areas needing work (i.e. basic timekeeping, coordination, double bass playing, etc.) and work on each area as needed.

Absolutely! In fact, that's the best way to start. By seeking qualified instruction right away, students can avoid developing bad habits that could take significant time and effort to correct later on. The majority of my students have less than 6 months playing experience before starting lessons.

I have performed and recorded with many different artists and bands over the years, which has helped me build great diversity in my playing. Each artist I have worked with has helped me grow as a musician, and through those varied experiences I have been able to gradually develop and refine an outstanding curriculum to pass on to my students. I've also been a lifelong student of the instrument as well, starting from my early days in school band and orchestra and progressing through high school marching and stage bands, drum corps, studying at Berklee College of Music, and continuing to this day.

Absolutely not! There is no such thing as too old to learn something new. I've been playing drums for over 40 years and I'm still learning! If you have the desire to study and practice, you can learn to play. Some of my most enthusiastic students started in their 60's and 70's!

Even if you wanted to, it would be impossible to completely "start over." Your past musical experience is part of you. For students who have extensive experience we will define your goals, identify your weaknesses and develop a curriculum to strengthen those areas.

How good are you now? ;-) All kidding aside, everyone is different. If you're motivated and have an innate natural ability you could show significant improvement after just a few lessons. Others may take longer to make noticeable strides forward. I can help give you the tools, but what you build with them and how long it will take will be entirely up to you.

Yes! While many drum instructors work exclusively on technical exercises, only by learning how to utilize technical proficiency in a musical context will you be able to reach your goals.

I strongly encourage all students to learn to read music. Especially when delving into advanced rhythms and coordination/independence exercises, knowing how to read music will allow them to see exactly how each limb interacts with the others and at exactly which moment in time. This visual aid can help students learn much faster and help them understand concepts that might otherwise be difficult for them to grasp.

As a drummer, I'm naturally drawn to styles and artists that are "drumistically" interesting. My iPhone is constantly filled with a diverse mixture of artists and styles. I can listen to big band music, followed by some avant-garde fusion to full-out, double bass blazing heavy metal. Professionally I have played everything from pop, rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz-fusion and country!

As a working drummer, I've played virtually all types of music at one time or another. For new students, all the various types of music tend to sound extremely different from one another. However, as you develop a strong knowledge of drumming, it becomes clear that almost all styles of music are based on the same fundamental elements of rhythm.

Yes! Purchase any lesson plan and then contact me. I will email you a printable, personalized gift certificate that you can present to the recipient. After receiving the gift all they have to do is call or email and we will arrange the exact dates and times of the lessons. Click here for more info.

I teach primarily out of my home studio in Blacklick, OH which is set up with dual drum kits and digital recording capabilities. There's also a convenient waiting area in the loft outside of the 'Boom Box' for parents to wait during their child's lesson. I also provide lessons in students' own homes using their own drums in the greater Columbus Metropolitan Area. Virtual lessons are also available anywhere in the world with an internet connection!

If you're just starting out, or just want to concentrate on the snare drum, you can get started with nothing more than a pair of sticks and a basic practice pad. (I can even supply these for the first few lessons.) Good quality sticks and a decent practice pad are both very inexpensive; you should be able to get both well under $50. (Ask me if you have questions.) As you progress I'll ask you to purchase the occasional book to allow you to practice between lessons. And, of course, when you're ready for full drum kit lessons, you'll need a set of decent acoustic or electronic drums. Again, I'm always happy to help you determine the right equipment for you if you have questions.

I generally teach afternoons and evenings Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (Friday schedules subject to change based on my live performance schedule.) I also offer lesson times on Saturday mornings and early afternoons. Contact me to inquire about currently available lesson times or if you have any special scheduling requests.

To cancel or change a scheduled lesson, all you need to do is call, text or email me at least 24 hours prior to the time of our appointment. Any lesson that is missed or cancelled after the cut-off time must be paid for in full. (Occasional exceptions for illness or emergencies may be granted by instructor.)

Go to the Lesson Plans section. Then, simply register using the PayPal buttons. Or, send me an email through the contact form. I will promptly respond to answer any questions you might have and to schedule our first lesson together! I look forward to meeting you!