As an in-demand musician and educator, I have the expertise, knowledge, methods, and will find the right approach to take your drumming to the next level! All skill-levels and ages are welcome!
My goal as an educator is to guide you in the process of becoming a competent, well-rounded, and self-reliant musician.
Through emphasizing strong fundamentals, confidence, a wide repertoire of songs, music appreciation, and awareness past the drum set, I believe that we can work together to make the sound in your head a reality.
I’m currently offering a Holiday Special for a Six-Week lesson package!
6 Weeks of Lessons for the cost of 4 Weeks!
Try giving a new type of gift this holiday season! Please reach out if you’re looking for the gift of drum lessons for a loved one or yourself!
“TJ has basically taught me everything I know about the music I play now! I came to him as a dramatically inexperienced jazz tap dancer, and we worked on vocabulary and repertoire and soloing and phrasing and general (jazz) musicianship for about a year and a half. I am so much the better after learning from TJ; I feel so much more confident playing my instrument in practice, performances, jam sessions, and anywhere else I want, too. He is encouraging and supportive and incredibly talented, and he works hard to help his students succeed. I wholly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn anything about percussion and music!
— James D.
I truly enjoy taking lessons with TJ. I have been playing drums for four years so have some basic skills, but have been working to play more difficult songs as well as improve my overall musicianship. TJ is a great instructor for me. He mixes helping me learn songs I love with practical tips and skill building exercises based on his own experiences and training. Plus, he’s responsive, kind, and empathetic. Whether you are a beginner starting out or a more experienced drummer looking to grow skills and confidence, TJ is a great resource.
- Nancy G.
My Core Teaching Values
Fundamentals
Playing the role of the drummer is a big responsibility - we are the backbone of the band! In order to support our fellow musicians on stage, we need to have a strong foundation in regards to good tempo, smooth technique, getting a full sound out of the instrument, and musical transitions.
I’ve spent years creating and compiling countless exercises that help build this foundation and make the process as effortless as possible. That way, we can focus on the important part of drumming - having fun!
Mindset and Confidence
The physical act of playing the the instrument is not the only challenge that comes along with being a drummer. Having the proper mindset when approaching the instrument is essential. Regardless of whether you are playing a heavy-hitting punk song or a tender jazz ballad, playing in front of others is a vulnerable experience that can bring out nerves and self-doubt that you couldn’t anticipate in the practice room.
I have experienced these feelings throughout my career, and have discovered methods of overcoming performance anxiety and confidence issues that have worked well for myself and my students. Everybody is wired differently and has their own unique situation when it comes to overcoming the mental/emotional hurdles of performing. I have a strong passion for finding what approach works to help each individual student become comfortable and confident behind the drums so their unique voice can shine through!
Songs/Repertoire
Of course, this is why we practice our instruments - to play songs! Whether its jamming along to songs that we love, playing them with a band, or learning/performing a friend’s original music, being a part of the music is the end goal.
Learning songs of various styles is a huge part of my educational process. Working out technical challenges on the drums is much more enjoyably-done when accompanied by your favorite music!
Helping students through challenging parts of songs by taking a step back from the song, giving them directly-related fundamental exercises, coming back to the song, and having that part finally “click” for them is one of my favorite moments in my lessons, and I believe it is for my students as well!
Music Appreciation and Listening
In addition to teaching students songs that they love, widening their musical knowledge is yet another joy of mine in the educational process.
Discovering new styles of music is so incredibly helpful in students’ growth as well-rounded musicians. Even if it isn’t directly related to the topics that are covered in our lessons, being exposed to new music inspires us to approach the instrument in fresh ways. Personally, my drumming has evolved countless times by listening to music that didn’t even have drums on the recording!
Being a strong listener/appreciator of music helps us understand the other instruments that we’re supporting. As drummers, we can get lost in our own little world of drum-related concepts. The best drummers have a deep understanding of what they need to do to support their fellow musicians, and the challenges that go along with their instruments, not just ours.