Mickey Martin Drum Lessons

Introduction: My name is Mickey Martin, and I'm a Woodland based musician with many years of drumming experience. I teach at all levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced, children and adults. I teach most any style, rock (new or retro), jazz, big band/swing, surf, pop, reggae, funk, Latin, country and western, etc. My emphasis is on technique (grip, stroke, and posture), rudimental exercise (sticking patterns), reading skills and performance, whether applied to drum set or snare drum (especially useful for school or marching band). After seeing The Beatles on TV as a kid, I knew I wanted to be a drummer. My older brothers were already in bands in the '60s, as backup for Sonny and Cher as well as their own records as "Thomas and Richard Frost," playing with artists like Lydia Pense, The Count 5, Grass Roots, Chocolate Watchband and many others. I studied for 3 years with world-famous musician-producer Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celene Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mahavishnu Orchestra and others) and for 10 years with Mike Curotto in the SF Bay Area. Most recently, I taught drums at Guitar Center Studios in San Mateo, CA, for 3 years. I play guitar and bass as well, which helps when performing in group situations. However, drums are my love! I've played hundreds of gigs in all genres and situations, sharing the stage with artists like The Tubes, Y&T, Chris Issak, The Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne, The Turtles, Buddy Miles, Joe Satriani, Jerry Lee Lewis, Super Diamond, John McLaughlin, Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Tony Williams and many others. Some of my favorite drummers and influences are John Bonham, Keith Moon, Tony Williams, Bill Bruford, Lenny White, Billy Cobham, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Narada Michael Walden, Steve Gadd, Airto, Cindy Blackman, Johny Barbata, Dino Danelli, Vinnie Coliuta, Dennis Chambers and so many more! I'm currently in the group "Powder," a '60s Brit pop-influenced band, playing extensively in the SF Bay Area and Northeast Portland/Seattle area, with gigs in London and Spain as well. I believe in the physical aspect of drumming as well as spiritual (think drum yoga) to bring out the best of your abilities and develop skills. However, the point of all this hard work and practice is to have fun because drumming is fun! So, no matter if you are just starting out, need some help with school band, an adult brushing up on his chops, or just want to have fun, I can help! I teach out of my home in Woodland but am available to teach at your location within 15 miles, including Davis, Dixon, West Sac or Vacaville. I am looking forward to hearing from you!