FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I rented a room at a music store to have a place to practice. (That was back in NY.) I was taking lessons from a Berklee College of Music drummer, at the time. The store employees could hear that I was quite good, and started sending students to me. That was in 1987.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
When someone contacts me about lessons, I give them the choice of coming to one of my studios, or of having me come to them. Some people are most comfortable at home, on their own instrument. Some people find the novelty of getting to play my drums every week, exciting. Lessons at my studios are a little cheaper, but the burden of travel is then on the student. If I go to them, I charge a little more, for the extra time and travel expense. Some people live in remote communities, or far from my home base of Scottsdale. I am a journeyman teacher, so I will travel as far as necessary. Those lessons sometimes cost double, triple, or more my music store rate. Sometimes, people are willing to pay extra to have me travel to them, but they can only afford to have me come every other week, and I'm fine with that. In either case, I provide notebooks for my students, and write everything down for them. I teach them how to read rhythms (it's not hard) and track everything from week to week. From years of experience, I have a course outline in my head, but I remain open to spontaneity. So, my program is structured, but new material can be introduced at any time, if inspiration calls.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Sometimes I am asked to get a drummer ready for a particular performance, like a school band concert, or to accompany a musical theater play, or for some kind of audition. Recently, a youngster was asked to provide drum accompaniment for his brother's guitar recital. The music was a Bach piece, which was in three-quarter time, which few youngsters know how to play. So, I taught him some waltz beats, fills, and ornaments. Their guitar/drum duet was a success, and everyone - the guitar teacher, the parents, and I - were very pleased.