dRUM 4 life studios mission—iS TO build RAPPORT with each student, for an ongoing quality lesson experience. each student’s unique musicial interests and goals are considered in building their lesson program.
the mission in motion—my lessons focus on development and application of drumming and music fundamentals. this foundation is the key element for every student’s progressing their skills.
instruments of instruction include—drum set, concert band & orchestra percussion instruments (snare, bass drum, mallets and auxilary percussion), Hand drums (djembe, conga, cajon)
music styles—rock, jazz & latin, funk & soul, concert & orchestral, and world drumming.
LESSON PROGRAM will include:
technical skills
snare drum rudiments and the development and application of the rudiments to the drum set are essential to have proper musical control of the snare drum, and other drums, and other percussion as well.
drum-set coordination/ INDEPENDENCe — this is the ability that allows drummers to play and interpret all music styles with relaxed skill and freedom of musical expression. this abilty allows drummers freedom to listen and blend well with the ensemble. drum set students are taught the basics, and more to improvise on the set. for songs, or add drum fills, and even drum solos to a variety of music styles.
MUSICIANSHIP skills
applied music theory knowledge and competency for drums and percussion is essential. this is necessary for reading any drum set & percussion MUSIC notation.
both technical and musicianship skills are the core skills for performance ensemble placement - whether middle school, high school, or college level, and beyond. these core skills help ensure placement and provide a rewarding experience in their ensemble years.
for drummers, i teach a song form chart system. this helps students in the “playing and learning how the song goes” aspect of music. basic ear training skills are developed to understand and break down drum parts to get comfortable applying their skills to songs. plus, we regularly seek out drum sheet music for different songs as apart of this area of instuction. what is very cool, is that students have often found the music for song already, and then bring the sheet music to the lesson! I love that!!
bio and music education background:
MY musical BACKGROUND includes 50+ YEARS OF PLAYING, PERFORMING AND TEAChING EXPERIENCE—this allows me to bring a broad base of knowledge and insight to all students.
bio: - my father was a professional drummer, and multi-talented musican all his life. music filled our family home and beyond growing up. sadly, dad passed when I was 9 years old, but a love of music and the seeds of wanting to be a musician (like dad) were planted!
through my mother’s association with Walt disney’s studios, a friend recommeded my first drum teacher, mr. hack o’brien—with hack guiding the way, a solid foundation was laid for my drumming & musical path forward. my many thanks to mom & hack!
from the age of 13, into my adult years, i’m thankful i was fortunate to study drums and music in a wonderful era and environment of stellar musical talent, and such broad diversity of artistic expression!!
music education:
los Angeles valley college (1974-1977) - music major program.
My Emphasis was upon developing excellence in ensemble performance In jazz & percussion ensembles, and orchestra & wind ENSEMBLES.
an immersion into music theory, music appreciation, jazz history and commercial music production rounded out my music studies. this was a invaluable rich time of growth and development for me as young musician. my instructors were mentors as well, and lead the way by example.
the dick grove school of music (1973-1977) - music performance & music theory studies. a comprehensive music program, with a full immersion into jazz theory, and jazz improvisation workshops and ensembles were the core foundation at the school.
the performance ensemble classes i regularly participated in, consisted of jazz groups, jazz ensembles, & percussion ensembles —these classes were the high point for me. all class instructors were the very best musicians of the Los angeles television and motion picture, and studio recording industry. many were active in the local jazz music scene as well.
my private drumset lesson study- los angeles, ca
hack o’brien (1970-1974) - father of 1950’s mouseketeer cubby o’brien
Freddie gruber (1984-1986) - master teacher to hundreds of professionals
later professional development (2006-2012 Seattle, wa)
lonnie mardis - music director/ instructor at seattle central jazz orchestra. lonnie is a master musician, as well as an accomplished composer and instrumentalist
mark ivester, master drummer/ teacher
steve korn, master drummer/ teacher
arturo rodriguez, master percussionist and teacher of latin and world percussion.
ages 7/8 years old through adult of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome. i hope to hear from you soon and see you soon, at drum 4 life studios. kind regards, glenn thilman