Calen D.

I specialize in hand and foot technique. While learning songs and self expression on any instrument is paramount to learning, equally is prepping the body to be able to perform on any instrument. For beginners, there will be an introduction into rudiments, proper form and function, basic music notation understanding/reading, along with an approach to productive and satisfying practice. When this is applied to learning songs or creating their own material, their progress will be significantly quicker and more importantly, fun! For intermediate players, there will be a problem solving approach, refining skills already known, and correcting problematic technique or form that may have gone under the radar. From here, there are various paths to go down, depending on the student. Whether learning more difficult songs, learning to transcribe/read and write music, learning to listen better, along with more advanced rudiments, rhythm studies, and technical growth—that is increasing accuracy, control, speed, and endurance. For advance players, there will be a performance check in to see where the player is at in their skills. Identifying gaps in their knowledge and skill set, and then applying technical approaches to rounding out their performance and over all sound. This dives into creating one's own sound, breaking out of ruts, and diving into advance rhythmic theories and studies, along with advanced techniques including modulation, displacement, multi-limb independence and isolation, polyrhythmic studies, amongst a never ending list of possibilities. There's always another level, and for my advanced players, it's my job to show them there is always more to learn!