Dr. Shevock's Percussion Lessons
Currently I teach percussion lesson, Snare Drum, Drum Set, and Marimba at The Music Academy (link) in State College, PA. As a percussion teacher, I emphasize developing the ear and dexterity--skills needed to create music, especially on percussion. When possible, I recommend all students learn each of these legs of percussion playing (think of it as a three legged stool) to develop holistically as a percussionist. Even when you focus on one area above others, being well-rounded as a musician will help your overall musicianship. All percussion students begin with the book Developing Dexterity, written in 1968 by Mitchell Peters, and I recommend students attain 7A snare drum sticks. Other sticks can work, based on hand size, but I prefer the smaller/faster sticks when I play. Snare Drum (SD) students begin with Alfred's Drum Method, Bk 1, by Sandy Feldstein and Dave Black. Drum Set (DS) students begin with A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer by Charles Dowd. And Marimba/Xylophone/Vibes (MXV) students begin with Rubank Elementary Method: Marimba or Xylophone by Howard M. Peterson. Additional books will be recommended as students advance--and additional materials will be provided so that students grow musically--in areas such as sight-reading, improvisation, rudimental drumming, brush technique, four-mallet playing, jazz theory, musicianship, theory, and general creativity.
All: ProMark TX7AW Drumsticks (link)
All: Developing Dexterity (link)
SD: Alfred's Drum Method, Bk 1 (link)
DS: A Funky Primer (link)
MXV: Rubank Elementary Method, Marimba or Xylophone (link)
Note: I don't make recommendations on drum-pads, xylophone or bells/pad kit rentals, beginner drum sets, etc., all of which are available at local music stores such as Robert M. Sides. Each student and family's needs are different on this. When learning, I played on an old hardcover book for years while we saved up to buy my first drum set (a Remo) when I was in 10th Grade.
updated: August 20, 2024
All: ProMark TX7AW Drumsticks (link)
All: Developing Dexterity (link)
SD: Alfred's Drum Method, Bk 1 (link)
DS: A Funky Primer (link)
MXV: Rubank Elementary Method, Marimba or Xylophone (link)
Note: I don't make recommendations on drum-pads, xylophone or bells/pad kit rentals, beginner drum sets, etc., all of which are available at local music stores such as Robert M. Sides. Each student and family's needs are different on this. When learning, I played on an old hardcover book for years while we saved up to buy my first drum set (a Remo) when I was in 10th Grade.
updated: August 20, 2024
Want to hear me play? I improvised this at The Music Academy open house, August 2024
