Bob Schmidt has been teaching percussion to people of all ages and backgrounds for more than 25 years. Some of his students have gone on to music school, and some are enjoying careers in music. Most enjoyed the benefits of learning specific skills which helped them in school bands or auditions. Others have learned primarily how to learn songs their bands wanted to play. Some have found out that drums – or even any musical instrument – is not a priority in their life… but all have had the benefit of the positive experiences they had while studying with Bob.
Whatever your goals are, Bob is prepared to help you reach them. More than that – Bob has the experience and training to identify the type of learner you are, and the best way to help you attain your goals.
“My studies with Bob transformed me from a kid with a strong desire to be a professional musician to over 30 years as a professional musician….” Tom B., former student.
Whether you are just “testing the waters” or preparing for an audition or continuing beyond what you learned in school, lessons with Bob will be highly rewarding.
Bob offers expert instruction on snare drum, drum set, hand drums (esp. djembe), percussion instruments (wide variety of shaking, scraping and striking instruments), and beginning mallets.
If you are beginning and plan to also take lessons in school, you can trust that everything you learn from Bob will only help you with those lessons. We will discuss (along with your parents when appropriate) which instruments and material to focus on, but Bob can always help with your in-school music when needed. Solid stick control, reading, and rudimental/classical technique will always help improve your drumset, mallet, and tympani performance.
On drum set, you can learn techniques for all styles, AND
– To keep solid time by musically “locking in” to what is going on around you.
– To read and interpret parts/charts
– To listen!
– To play parts appropriate to the style
– To develop solos
– to Play, Relax, and HAVE FUN!
Traditional or matched grip? – Why not use both?
Lessons include listening and recognizing song-forms, and techniques to use in different size bands with a variety of instruments.
“Bob was simply amazing… he created lessons specifically for her (our daughter), and understood what she needed to focus on…” C.B., Mother of elementary-school student.
CONTACT Bob Schmidt at Bobsdrumming@aol.com