All the students come to the studio with slightly different goals. Some want to be in a rock band with their friends. Some want to audition for a music program at the college or university level. Some come to the studio just to have fun. Some put the work in to be professional players. ALL of these goals are legitimate, and I’ll help you move towards your goals - whatever those may be. The important thing here is that the teaching objectives are defined by the students.
The students undertake all this preparation: hand speed workouts, ear training, repertoire work, etc., so that when an opportunity presents itself, they are ready to step in and do a professional job.
When First Baptist Church in Kennett Square recently called the studio looking for a worship team drummer on short notice, one of our members stepped in:
“Dan fit in really well with the First Baptist worship team, partly due to his easy going personality, but mainly owing to the fact that he was so well prepared as a musician. Working with our team is no easy task, especially for a young drummer. We play songs from all eras of the western church (from the fourth century to stuff we've written ourselves) and a great deal of different styles (swing, gospel, contemporary, R&B, and more). We also do not try to play things exactly as the original artists play them. We customize to our own liking and to make things easier for the congregation to follow along with (which usually means more work for the musicians). All of that to say, not an easy task and Dan jumped right in. He asked great questions and he brought his own style to bear. He was very professional and carried himself like someone much older. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. Above all, I thank and commend Bryan and grooveKSQ for getting Dan to where he is.” Christopher W.