Quality Drum Instruction

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. In addition to teaching from the time-tested drum methods that I was brought up with, I have developed my own curriculum to aid students in their musical development. My methods focus on developing coordination, nurturing creativity, and encouraging students to actively listen to music.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. My father, who is also a drummer, was my first musical influence. I asked him to start showing me how to play the drums when I was in the fourth grade. Towards the end of my freshman year of high school, he took me to a jazz jam session he was playing at and let me sit in for an entire set. After that I started subbing for him on gigs and eventually started picking up work as a drummer on my own.

I got into teaching lessons during my senior year of high school. In search of a job, I started dropping off resumes and filling out applications at all of the music stores in the area. None of the stores seemed to be hiring, but the last store on my list turned up a different opportunity. The owner told me that he wasn't hiring any additional sales staff, but he was in need of a drum instructor. Up until then, I had never really considered teaching as something I would (or even could) do, but I gave it a try and really enjoyed it. I have been teaching ever since, and some of my first students still study with me today.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. In March and June of 2010, I had the pleasure of recording at Doug Haywood's First Hand Studio in Lafayette, CO. Doug has performed and/or recorded with several artists including Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt, Graham Nash, and many others. The recording sessions can be heard on Doug's latest album titled "Midnight Somewhere", a collaboration with fellow singer/songwriter Keith Curtis. "Midnight Somewhere" was recently released and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, CDBaby, and iTunes.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. My first teacher way my father, Don Elwood. After I got my start as a working musician, I continued my studies with other great drummers including Chris Lacinak, Gary Lefrancois, and Christian Teele.
As a performer, I'm constantly being challenged by new music. There is so much music out there, it makes every day is a new learning experience.
As an teacher, being a member of educational organizations like the Percussive Arts Society and the Professional Drum Teachers Guild helps me connect with other educators and gives me the opportunity to see what I can learn from their approaches and methods.
One of the most rewarding things about music is that the learning process never ends!