Shiv T.

I like to teach with songs, meaning we start by choosing the students favorite song and building slowly in level of difficulty. As they progress we play beats and learn fills. Later we get into reading and writing drum notes. Then we explore different genres, and styles of playing. This way the student can aim to play any song at-least 4-5 ways depending on what is required and what style and flavor they want to incorporate in their performance. For Advanced students we learn to jam with other instrumentalists, and write our own drum beats. Just like a pianist would learn to compose a melody, my drum students can learn to compose their own drum beats like all great drummers do. And finally the most advanced student can learn to manage the rhythm of a song, not only the drums but also the other instruments. Any level of student can expect to learn the necessary rudiments, beats, fills to have a vast and deep repertoire. Also I strive to teach the art of freestyling which is the strength of any musician to write original material or perform an unheard composition without much preparation. I like all types of music and am currently learning to produce music, play the piano and guitar. I am always up to date on new styles, bands, artists etc. I listen to music all day and plan on going to college for music. Currently I am a student at the University of Dallas Texas as a Computer Science Major. I love helping kids, and have even volunteered for 300+ hours with special needs kids. I am very patient, and really believe that the learning is a process and the results come secondary as by product of proper technique, form, and attention to detail. I help encourage my students to incorporate practice in their routines and strive to make drumming and music fun like it should be. I have been drumming since I was 6 years old (currently 19) and have taking classes and professional training, as well completed several certifications. I studied both western music and Indian Bollywood and some Indian classical music, amongst latino and Caribbean styles of music. Therefore, I would say I'm pretty well versed in different styles of playing and cultures. Furthermore, I also have studied the rudiments and can help teach marching band type of drumming. I strive to help students come up with their own material and learn to read notes as they get more advanced. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job!