Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you only teach kids?

No! I teach both kids AND adults, and I find great joy in teaching a large age range. With both kid and adult students I have worked with very beginners to experienced players.

What instruments do you teach?

I have been playing percussion and drum set for over 15 years. I studied it throughout school since the 5th grade, and then got my degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Montana, so I am well versed in the breadth of percussion. Here are what I consider my areas of expertise:

• Symphonic and orchestral percussion – this not only covers snare drum and mallet technique, but also things like the triangle, crash cymbals, tambourine, etc. (and yes, there ARE specific techniques for those instruments!)

• Drumset – I am proficient in jazz, pop, and rock styles! I especially love teaching drum set to complete beginners, but also enjoy working with experienced drum set players and helping them refine their technique and expand their drumming vocabulary.

• Mallet percussion – If you haven’t figured it out by looking at my website yet, mallet percussion is my ultimate passion within percussion. I teach beginner through advanced students. Whether you want to learn pieces written specifically for mallet instruments or learn how to play your favorite pop songs on a marimba or vibraphone, I would love to work with you.

• Music theory – music theory is obviously not an instrument. But if you are an instrumentalist or singer who is wanting to understanding more about how to read music, what a time signature is, how chords work, or any other question like that, I can help you! You do not need to be a drummer or a percussionist to inquire about music theory lessons with me.

What is a good time for my young musician to start lessons?

Especially if your child is interested in drum set, I think the magic age tends to be 7 or 8 years old–this is because drum set is an instrument that takes a lot of coordination, and sometimes for younger kids it can be frustrating. However, it really depends on the kid! If your child is only 5 or 6 and is insistent that they want to learn the drums–like constantly asking you when they can learn to play the drums–they’re probably ready. The biggest factor in a young musician finding joy in lessons is for them to not be forced to attend music lessons, but for them to want it themselves.

Follow up question: my kid doesn’t want to take lessons, but I want them to be in lessons. But you’re saying I shouldn’t force them? What do I do?

Such a great question! If you really want them to enjoy music and be interested in learning it, listen to music with them. If they’re younger, help them learn how to clap along to the beat. Take them to concerts to see people play instruments in real life. They will be interested in music if the people in the life show them they care about music and think it’s cool. Everything I mentioned is just as an important of a form of music education as taking private lessons is.

What are your prices?

30-minute lesson: $35/lesson | 45-minute lesson: $50/lesson | 60 minute lesson: $65/lesson

For all child students we have a weekly lesson time, and you are required to sign up for an entire session (Fall session is September through mid-December, Spring Session is end of February through mid-May.) These multi-week sessions include a few “freebie” lessons to account for any sicknesses or absences. In the summer scheduling is more flexible to accommodate summer activities and travel.

For adult students, I have other packages and options available and do not require you to have a set weekly lesson time–but we may decide a weekly time and aligning with my Fall and Spring Sessions is the best fit for you.

If you have any questions about pricing/packages, please don’t hesitate to contact me!