I teach all ages at any level from beginners to advanced. Over a period of time my lessons will have covered the following subjects: technique, phrasing, various genres, playing with a sense of groove, reading music, soloing and ergonomics. We will also cover how to play the drums with intent, and how to practise.
I’m able to teach both traditional and match grip and strive to give my students the necessary technique that will enable them to develop for many years to come. Relaxation, accuracy and patience is a vital rule to remember when learning to play the drums. I am a patient, dedicated teacher, passionate about helping and guiding my students to reach their full potential. I have an Enhanced DBS certificate.
Suggested subjects
Testimonials
“Dan taught me over the period of around 9 months, we had weekly lessons that amounted to around 24. I came for help with my auditions for music colleges at the end of the year and fortunately with Dan’s help I succeeded. It’s hard to find drummers teaching jazz so having Dan teaching me was a valuable opportunity. He corrected a lot of bad old habits of mine, cultivated my ability to solo and also introduced me ideas and concepts of different drummers. I went from not knowing what to do at all when it comes to soloing, to being able to pull some short trading/solos with my band. I would recommend Dan to any drummer who wants to start playing jazz or getting better at it. Although music a lot of times depends on your own efforts, a good teacher can make the journey a lot smoother!” – Silin (July 2018)
“I approached Daniel as a complete beginner and organised to have 6 lessons throughout August as a crash course and introduction to Jazz Drumming. I had a great time learning the basics and I would highly recommend taking lessons with Daniel to any beginners and experienced drummers. Daniel was very patient and was always willing to explain concepts in further detail and would happily provide lots of clear examples. Daniel was extremely flexible with the scheduling of the lessons as I was only able to attend classes after I had finished work each day. Daniel not only explained and taught the entry level mechanics of Jazz Drumming but also explained how to approach sheet music. I will certainly be scheduling lessons in the future!” – October 2014
” Daniel gave my son Motty drumming lessons over a period of 18 months during which time my son made excellent progress.
I found Daniel to be highly competent and professional with a pleasant and fun teaching style making his lessons both enjoyable and challenging. He was also always punctual and reliable and I would definitely recommend him very highly. ” – June 2013
Some inspiration and informative links
- The Four Accented Paradiddles & Four Strokes -[Part 1] (pdf) – Click here to watch the YouTube video
- Rules of play (pdf)
I find these bullet-points by Desmond Morris quite relevant for musicians or any artist to reflect on.
- Set 1, from Syncopation by Ted Reed – From ‘Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer’ – by Ted Reed.
- Interview with Keith Jarrett by Ethan Iverson
“But Jazz is the sound of lone self-expression, of your own self. You can’t disguise yourself – you speak from who you are”. – Keith Jarrett.
“Technique is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument. This is a comprehensive technique . . . a feeling for the keyboard that will allow you to transfer any emotional utterance into it. What has to happen is that you develop a comprehensive technique and then say, forget that. I’m just going to be expressive through the piano.” – Bill Evans