FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Basically I don't raise the rates as long as the students stay with me. The music store is always upping the price so I have to charge the new students the going rate. So yes, it is complicated. If I do house calls, I have to charge more because it takes twice as much of my time to get there and back. On the other hand if I don't have to go anywhere and you come to my house, you get a super discount.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I try to find out what their goals are and what motivates them. I have to take an age appropriate approach, but learning drums all starts with learning the basics- correct technique, rudiments, coordination, etc.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm not sure there are any "latest" developments. I took drum lessons for many years and have some collage but most of my knowledge was from "the street" playing professionally in bands. The last time the drum set was reinvented was in the 70s with the linear fusion revolution, I learned that style from Mike Clark of the Headhunters back then. But I used to teach at the Donn Bennett Drum Shop in Bellevue. It's a great resource. I keep an eye on who is in town giving clinics and lessons there. So that's how I learn, these days- by studying with the masters and going to hear them when they are here.