Edmonton Drum Works

Research Before you Decide

Whether you are looking to take drums lessons yourself or checking around for your kids note that simply "playing drums for years" and "teaching" are two very different art forms.

To teach an individual takes much more than being able to play well yourself, apart from the fact that you need to be of course very skilled and experienced at your craft, you need patience, understanding and a grasp of who the student is, their age and what they want to get out of lessons. Teaching is a practiced and applied art on to its own, good teachers know that it's not about "them" but about the "student".

Learning Environment

For over 30 years I have taught from a private drum studio which has afforded me the extra time needed to work through [in detail] with students as individuals one-on-one. Working from my studio also allows me to pull music from an extensive music collection as well work with and explain gear hands on plus have access to keyboards and additional hand percussion.

It's an entirely different atmosphere and experience learning from and teaching from a private studio - entirely different, its a very "person centered" focus. Its important that my students become well rounded musicians who understand different styles and forms of drumming and music, and one-on-one from a private facility is where it all starts.

Teaching Philosophy

As well as teaching the basics such as: Technique, Theory/Reading and Charting, I believe very much that that students need to know not only the most current trends but also the history of what they are studying, they need to learn how to listen and how to break things down, they eventually should learn about harmonic structure and composition,  plus it's crucial they learn about the mechanics of what they are doing.

What gets missed a lot is helping someone to develop their own groove, vibe and style, that's what separates them-from-others. And in this  industry its impossible of course to advance unless you understand  "What makes a valuable drummer and ensemble member". All of these extras are introduced at different stages of a students learning but they are, a must.

Background

I picked up my first set of sticks at age 5, started my first band by age 11 and have never looked back. I've made my entire living as a professional musician. My experience range is very long and extensive: leading and playing in live bands of varying styles [on going], recording acts, composing for dance and film, session work and teaching as EDWS as well as a private drum teacher for Concordia University and a few others places. And although I am university and college educated ... this is how it really got done: 

54,416   hrs on   Technique and Practice

14,976   hrs on   Prep and Ensemble Playing

18,720   hrs on   Ensemble Rehearsing

35,100   hrs on   Ensemble Playing

61,368    hrs on   Teaching

184,575  hrs with Sticks in Hand

Plus

100's      of hrs of Studio Time

1000's    of hrs on Sound Checks and Tuning

1000's     of hrs spent on composition

And - a ridiculous amount of hours spent on my own musical education, which will never end!

Thanks for Visiting - Michael