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.

Teaching qualifications include:

Percussion Instructor, Dacbert Music Co. (San Antonio)

Drumset Instructor, Institute of the Arts (Austin)

Senior Instructor\Director, Oak Hill Drum Studio (Austin)

Associate of Applied Science, San Antonio College

Member - Texas Music Educators Association

Member - Percussive Arts Society

Educational Endorsement - Vic Firth Drumsticks

and

Forty years experience as a professional drummer

Kids (ages 7 and up) and adults will learn the elements of music and the drummer's role in a band. We begin with proper grip techniques in order to hold the sticks and strike the drum correctly.  You don't have to own a Drumset to get started.  At minimum you should have drum sticks, a drum method book, a metronome, and a practice pad.  If you have a drum set I will tailor your lessons to fit your playing abilities and focus on your musical goals and interests. 

As a kid I developed a love for music and wanted to play the drums.  But my parents wanted me to play the piano.  Since we had a piano (and my 3 older sisters all had to play) they drove  me to piano lessons, but I didn't like it.  It was old fashioned. The teacher made me play "pieces" of piano music I didn't care for.

Wise as they were, they refused to get me a Drumset unless I could first prove I could play.  Determined, the 12th summer of my life, I took snare drum lessons in San Antonio (I had to ride the bus downtown this time) and learned the elements of drumming on a practice pad at the San Antonio Music store. 

Practice pads are inexpensive and are not loud. I learned to read and play drum music, drum rudiments (the formal drumming patterns), dynamics (loud VS soft playing), tempos, time signatures, and more.  In a few months I could play the entire method book my instructor was teaching.  And they finally settled on a good used drum set for me.  YEAH!

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 bands formed by my schoolmates. We learned to play songs by ear that we heard on the radio.  We had so much fun learning music and bonding as a team.  It was cool walking around school being the drummer in a band!  Music taught me  that practice breeds confidence, and confidence breeds success. Being a shy teenager I slowly began oozing  confidence in my ability to play music...ANY kind of music I decided to try.  As my skills and experience level developed, I was invited to play with a multitude of semi-pro bands and professional touring acts.

So after a 40 year drumming 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/MP3 or Internet.

David Mendoza and Vic Firth