My individually paced teaching method includes a lesson plan custom tailored to fit your playing level, goals, and interests. This approach to teaching provides each student with the proper foundation to develop into a successful drummer and percussionist. 

A formal training program combined with keeping an open mind to learning a wide spectrum of musical styles is the key to becoming a successful drummer.  As an independent music educator and professional musician, I know how to bring energy and encouragement to the learning experience of my students.

My teaching qualifications include:

Percussion Instructor, Dacbert Music Co. (San Antonio)

Percussion Instructor, Institute of the Arts (Austin)

Private Drumset Instructor, Oak Hill Drum Studio

Associate of Applied Science, San Antonio College

Member - Texas Music Educators Association

Member - Percussive Arts Society

Educational Endorsement - Vic Firth Drumsticks

Kids (ages 8 and up) and adults will learn all of the elements of playing and becoming a good drummer, beginning with how to properly hold the sticks and strike the drum.  You don't have to own a drumset to get started.  At minimum you will need drum sticks, a drum method book, a metronome, and a snare drum or practice pad.  If you already have a drum set I will tailor your lessons to upgrade your playing abilities and focus on your learning goals.  As an active Austin musician, I even offer placement assistance in Austin area bands to my advanced students.  Check out "First Audition" my band camp workshop allowing our student musicians to perform for the first time with their peers and the pros in an actual audition setting!

As a kid I developed a love for music and wanted to play the drums.  But my parents wanted me to play the piano.  They refused to get me a drum set unless I could first prove to them I could play.  So determined, one summer I took snare drum lessons and learned the elements of drumming on a practice pad.  (A practice pad resembles a small drum and has a padded, drum skin type playing surface.  Practice pads are inexpensive and are not loud.) I learned to play and read drum music, drum rudiments (the formal drumming patterns), dynamics (loud vs. soft playing), tempos, time signatures, and more.  After a few months of lessons I could play the entire method book my instructor was teaching.  So my parents got me a good used drum set.   With a few more lessons and the knowledge I had acquired, everything began to fall into place.  In just a few weeks I was playing in a band formed by my schoolmates.  We learned to play songs by ear that we heard on the radio.  I had so much fun and it was so cool being the drummer in a band with my friends.  As my skills and experience level developed, I was invited to perform in a multitude of semi-pro and then professional level bands and shows.

So after a 30 year music career here I am rockin the Oak Hill Drum Studio.  Watch me as I teach from behind a Roland V-DRUM Electronic Drum Set while providing the practice music of your choice via CD or Internet streaming audio. Our clients learn on this Yamaha drum set 

David Mendoza and Vic Firth