Quick Facts About Vance
- Teaches drums
- Works well with ages 6+ and all skill levels
- Specializes in Rock and Jazz Styles
- Utilizes custom curriculum and a selection of books
- Strengths: Extensive experience teaching and touring as a professional musician
- Teaching for over 30 years
- Drums and percussion studies throughout high school and college, playing for nearly 40 years
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Learn More About Vance
General Teaching Style
Playing drums is fun and I like to share the excitement that I have for this instrument with all my students!
I gear my lesson towards each individual student's interests and needs.
All my students learn the basic technique, coordination, reading and improvisation needed to play the drums. I try to have my students play even beats and rhythms as soon as possible so that they can play along to music and have fun.
I feel I have figured out a great way to show important exercises and techniques and relate it to the songs that my students are going to learn.
I teach what works and what is needed for drumming in the real world!
Curriculum-wise, I teach using handouts that I have created and also books I have selected that have sticking patterns, drum rudiments, pulse and syncopation, and songs to play along with. I also have charted out drum parts to popular songs to learn as well.
Focus & Goals of the First Lesson
All students will start out on a practice pad and learn how to hold the sticks properly.
We will then learn how to play some basic sticking patterns.
I then try to have the student bring those sticking patterns over to the drum set.
After having them work on their hands and feet patterns, we try to play a basic drum beat. I turn on some music and have them try to play along to a song!
Unique Strengths
I am excited about teaching drums and I am very patient and understanding.
I've been teaching for 31 years -- 21 of them at The Drum Exchange in Seattle -- and have a good way of helping students stay excited and engaged in their lessons.
I have taught private drum lessons at public schools and through music stores and schools.
Additional Experience & Instruments
I have been performing and touring drummer for most of my life.
I know what it takes to play live in front of crowds night after night. Over time this has helped my teaching.
I know what really is important to know in order to play well as a drummer.
In addition to teaching the drums, I also play bass, guitar, piano, and vocals.
Most Inspirational Music Moment
Playing live in front of 1,200 fans at a sold out show was an amazing moment.
Top 3 Desert Island Albums
- Exit... Stage Left - Rush
- Kiss Alive II - Kiss
- 5150 - Van Halen