A Drummer's Virtual Woodshed

Online Drum Lessons

What We Teach

Our course of study will enable the student to acquire a solid foundation in drumset musicianship.

The general areas covered include:

  • Rudimental Skills
  • Hand-to-Hand technique
  • Reading
  • Drumset coordination
  • Repertoire and Style

We explore:

  • Grip and stick control issues
  • Rudimentary technique: The Single and Double Stroke Rolls, Paradiddles, Drags, and Flams
  • Music reading skills: Chart Reading, Interpretation of time signatures and dynamic markings, Snare Drum Etudes, Standard and Drumset Notation
  • Drumset Coordination: Two, Three and Four way coordination and independence
  • Repertoire and style
  • History of the Drumset

Recognition of the various styles of Drumset performance including:

  • Classical/orchestral, Blues, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Pop-Rock, Funk, Brazilian, Latin American, and Afro-Cuban genres.
  • High School. College and Drum Corps Audition Preparation
  • Competition Preparation

Questions and answers

What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Since I emphasize the acquisition of basic, fundamental skills as the foundation for high-quality music making, we begin with learning the goals of the student and then discussing the ways to achieve our objectives. These include practice requirements and instrument selection, methods for exercising stick control, music reading and the role of the drummer etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took my first drum lesson at the age of six. My teachers were expert instructors. Thus I know exactly what to impart to my students as they work to become superior musicians. I minored in percussion performance in college, and I have been chosen to adjudicate high levels of performers, (DCI, DCA, State and local school competitions.)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard rates are $20 per 55 min remote Zoom lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching by teaching junior drum and bugle corps drum lines in the late 1960’s. I instructed the Fletcher’s Raiders Drum and Bugle corps of Norwich Connecticut. The Connecticut Vanguard All-Girl D&B corps, Seymour Ct, And the Milford Shoreliners D&B corps (drum line ranked 5th nationally). I have been teaching privately since 1963.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all levels of students, from beginners to professional musicians. Since I have the ability to impart superior technical skills my instruction is frequently sought after by players wishing to overcome deficiencies in technique or interpretation. I have also successfully coached students planning auditions for college level performance.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Although I am a very accomplished rudimental and jazz drummer, I have recently been having a great deal of fun playing with a blues band. In blues, the technical aspects of drumming take a backseat to making the music feel right. This is great “roots” music that is a pure joy to play.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher with experience and great technical ability. Your teacher must be flexible enough to accommodate your level of experience (beginner or pro) and to work from where you are to where you want to go.

Find a teacher with a healthy sense of humor and happiness about the teaching process. There is no need to make learning an exacting skill a process of “pain and suffering.” Drums are a fun instrument, make sure your teacher likes to teach.

Audition your teacher. Check to learn if your prospective teacher can actually play the instrument with clarity and skill. And if they can explain what is taking place. Some excellent players can be less than accomplished teachers. And some less than spectacular players can be great teachers. Try to find both.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
A prospective student needs to ask themselves what he or she wants to accomplish? The student must be prepared to practice new skills with sufficient dedication in order to make technical progress. Be prepared to add weekly lessons to your schedule and to add sufficient time to practice your lessons. Not being able to accomplish this can become the biggest impediment to success.