Fundamentals
Grip, stroke types, timing, and sound quality — the things that make every other skill easier. Rudiments taught as tools, not homework.
Private lessons
One-on-one coaching, built around your student.
Every student walks in somewhere different. Lessons start where they actually are, fix the fundamentals that unlock everything else, and give them a practice plan they can follow on their own.
Ask about a lesson slotWhat we work on
Reading & musicianship
Counting systems that stick, sight-reading, keyboard percussion, four-mallet technique, and timpani tuning by ear.
Goals that matter
Chair auditions, All-Region, UIL solo & ensemble, drumline spots, and college auditions — with a timeline instead of a scramble.
How it works
- Who it's for
- Beginners through high school seniors. No audition or prerequisite — I teach total beginners and All-State hopefuls in the same week.
- Instruments
- Snare and concert percussion, keyboard percussion (bells, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone), timpani, drumset, and marching percussion.
- Format
- In person, one-on-one — or buddy lessons for two students at a similar level, which many families prefer for younger beginners.
- Length
- 30 or 60 minutes, weekly. Most students start at 30 minutes and move up as their repertoire grows.
- Where
- School-based lessons during the day at partner campuses, or after-school slots. Tell me your school and I'll tell you what's available.
- Rates
- Shared with your lesson inquiry, along with what's open at your campus. Buddy lessons are priced per student. Payment is due at the first lesson of each month — see policies.
- Materials
- Sticks, mallets, a method book, and a binder. I'll tell you exactly which book after the first lesson — no guessing at the music store.
What to expect
Before the first lesson
You send an inquiry with your student's name, grade, school, and instrument focus. I confirm a day, time, and length, then share the policies so nothing about scheduling or payment is a surprise later.
The first lesson
Mostly listening and assessing. I find out what the student can already do, what's getting in the way, and what they actually want out of playing. We set the first goal and I assign starting materials.
Every week after
A warm-up that fixes something specific, work on current music, and a clear practice assignment. Practice expectation is 20 minutes a day, five days a week for 30-minute students — 40 minutes a day for 60-minute students.
Parents are welcome to observe quietly. You'll also get progress updates each quarter, so you know what your student is working on and where they're headed.
Pass-offs and progress
Rudiments and scales are tracked with a pass-off system, so progress is visible instead of vague. Assessment references are UIL and PAS-aligned, which means the work in lessons lines up with what gets asked of them in band.
Ready to start?
Send your student's name, grade, school, and what they play. I'll reply with available slots and rates.
Ask about a lesson slot