Brandon - Teacher #2187

Instruments:
- Drumset
- Percussions

Services:
- Jazz Improvation
- Music History
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

Music has truly been a gift in my life, serving as a means of self-expression I couldn't fathom living without. Drums, being as old as human history itself, are an instrument of incredible beauty. They can be loud, soft, simple, or chaotic, often within a single tune.

Each drummer possesses a unique style. The drum set is an extension of the person playing it, and since every individual is unique, I, as a teacher, make it a point to grasp the distinct qualities of each student. This understanding becomes the foundation for their musical development.

I always encourage my students to explore and enjoy the music they love. That's why, from the very first lesson, we start playing along to simple songs. You'll be able to play your favorite tunes with the very first drum beat you learn on day one!

For new students, we delve into the foundational techniques and rudiments of drumming—the building blocks. We work on rhythm comprehension, counting, and even learn how to read music and rhythm in an engaging manner. All of this knowledge syncs perfectly with everything we do on the drum set, and it's applicable to any other instrument you may pick up down the road. More advanced students will discover new ways to expand their skills and express themselves on the drums, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical genres or the ones they're already passionate about.

Musical Education

I have a Master of Music in Jazz Performance degree from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Windsor. Studying jazz in Detroit gave me the opportunity to work in an incredibly vibrant jazz culture and learn from many professional musicians. I had the opportunity to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival with the Wayne State Big Band, perform concerts with high profile guest artists, and perform a graduation recital featuring my own arrangements and compositions. In my undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor, I conducted the school's pep band, led numerous percussion ensembles, and was a recipient of the Ianni scholarship award. I also worked as a Teacher's Assistant in both conducting and music history at both schools.

Awards and Distinctions

Ron W. Ianni Scholarship Performance Award

Special Skills and Training

In addition to teaching, I am also a professional session musician and musical director. I have years of experience working for many Canadian artists, including: Buck Twenty (Pop Country), Christee Palace (Pop), Jen Knight (Contemporary/Alternative) and many others. In my years of touring experience, I have performed countless festivals and venues throughout Canada. I have performed in various musical theater productions, as well as many jazz and blues settings. I believe that my real-world experience has greatly benefited my teaching. It has taught me valuable interpersonal skills and patience. I'm always striving to work with clients and help them achieve their goals in a respectful and uplifting manner. Working as a musical director for new pop artists, I believe I relate well to my students who may be interested in a wide variety of modern music.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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