MY PASSION FOR DRUMMING AND TEACHING DRAWS FROM 50 YEARS OF PLAYING, PERFORMING, AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE. I AM A SECOND-GENERATION MUSICIAN WHOSE desire is to pass on my love FOR DRUMMING AND MUSIC TO ALL MY STUDENTS.

my studio mission - to create a lesson program and plan for each student. this personalizes a unique lesson experience for all students. i focus on teaching the value and appreciation of the fundamentals of drumming and music theory. this proven learning path helps drummers maximize drumming and musicianship skills towards realizing their drummimg and musical goals.

  • instruments —drum set, concert band & orchestra percussion instruments (snare, bass drum, mallet percussion, etc…), Hand drumming (congas, djembe, and others)

  • music styles - rock, funk & soul, jazz & latin, and world drumming.

    LESSON PROGRAM instruction will include:

    technical skills

  • snare drum rudiments and the application of the rudiments to the drum set are fundamental and essential to having proper musical control of snare drum, drum set, cymbals, etc..

  • drum set coordination/ INDEPENDENCe — this allows drummers to play and interpret all music styles, and genres with a relaxed and engaged ability. to play with freedom, and musical expression as we listen and blend with the ensemble in an enjoyable manner. it gives drummers the proper ability to groove and swing any style.

    MUSICIANSHIP skills

  • applied music theory knowledge and competency for drums and percussion is essential. we thereby are able to comprehend and interpret drum set & percussion MUSIC notation in the proper manner. this is a core skill for all students for ensemble placement - middle/ high school, and to college level performance. this ensures a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

  • ear training is developed through basic to more advanced drum fill & solo skills as applied all music styles. this is studied, an applied with the focus on melody & chord progression RECOGNITION for all music styles.

  • a song form chart system is used to easily LEARN AND grasp the understanding to play drum parts for songs in any music style. i stress the emphasis on maintaining good drum part discipline. this is a vital skill to deveveop good time keeping and control of the music’s groove style and feel. then drummers can enjoy navigating the songs form and musical transitions with ease. this enhances the ENSEMBLE’S sound and performance.

    TECHNICAL AND MUSICIANSHIP skills form the foundation for every student's FULL development and progress.

    my music education background- los angles, california

  • los Angeles valley college music program (1974-1977)

  • music performance & music theory at the dick grove school of music (1973-1977)

    my early private lessons - los angeles, california

  • hack o’brien, father of 1950’s mouseketeer cubby o’brien (1970-1974)

  • Freddie gruber (1984-1986) renowned teacher to hundreds of professionals

    professional development (2006-2012)

  • mark ivester, master drummer - lonnie mardis (seattle central jazz orchestra) consumate musician, composer and music director - arturo rodrigez, master percussionist and teacher of latin and world percussion - steve korn, master drummer.

    ages 8 years through adult, of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome. i hope to hear from you soon for lessons at MY drum 4 life studios. kind regards, glenn thilman