Brian Es-

Having begun my musical training in drums and percussion at 7 years of age and gratefully receiving my first drumset at the age of 8 has helped give me that early technical training as well as the internal wiring for music that I feel is very important.  I likewise hope to have the opportunity to reach and inspire students at an early age so that their mental maping and passion for music will have a similar profound effect upon their developing ability to become a standout musician. 
I have been giving lessons off and on as my performing livelihood and other career aspirations have allowed for over 35 years.  Of course I began learning drums at a time when Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson and other jazz greats were the kings.  I later became enamored with rock drumming and in my passion to become more knowledgeable about other instruments and music theory, I attended Cowley Co. Community College in Arkansas City KS as a music major for 5 semesters.  Whereas I did take class piano, guitar and music theory as well as other related classes and learned fantastic things about these subjects, my primary instrument and passion has always been founded in performance drumming.  I have played with many accomplished groups.  Most of them were cover bands but had regional success with 2 completely original bands. 
My style of teaching revolves around four basic areas at each lesson.  I begin with technical basics such as various grip techniques and rudiments on the snare drum as well as incorporating the same rudiments to other combinations of the four limbs involved.  Basic drum beats, attention to balance and learning proper counting, perception of notes, anticipation and dynamics are next.  Of course any new student wants to learn certain songs and styles important to them so this is also given attention at each session also.  Finally, interpretating individual student strengths and flaws as they pertain to theatrics and stage presence is always the fourth part of every lesson.  I always seek to personnaly engage, inspire and encourage each student and the areas covered are constantly varied in importance and progressive.

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