Quentin DeWitt

Percussion Educator

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Drum & Percussion Lessons


Updated February 24, 2010

It has been my great privilege to teach private drum and percussion lessons to students of all ages and abilities, including beginners, college music majors and adults, since 1999. Private lessons are taught in my drum studios at the Keeney Bros. Music Centers located in Moscow, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. Lessons are held Monday through Friday at the Moscow location and on two Saturdays per month at the Clarkston location. My percussion studio maintains an enrollment of approximately 30 to 50 students between the two locations. Here are a few questions that I receive about drum lessons from new clients.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH DRUM LESSONS?

Students will need to purchase a pair of Vic Firth SD1 General drumsticks, a practice pad and a dedicated 3-ring notebook. This is the minimum to get started with drum lessons. Additional supplies for the advancing student include a metronome, stick bag, snare/bell kit, drumset, brushes, drumset sticks and assorted drumming books.

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WHAT AGES AND LEVELS OF STUDENTS DO YOU WORK WITH?

Age and experience matter less than interest and dedication. I have experience working with students from as young as three years old to adult and of all ability and experience levels.

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WHAT ABOUT PROTECTING MY HEARING?

You can take too approaches. One is to muffle or reduce the amount of sound your drums produce, the other is to wear some sort of hearing protection device. You can find hearing protection information at EAR.com and hearnet.com. Some great hearing protection devices are at Vic Firth and Etymotic Research. HQ Percussion makes some great drum mutes.

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HOW LONG ARE THE LESSONS?

I recommend a minimum of one 1/2 hour drum lesson per week. Students can schedule longer lessons if desired.

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HOW MUCH DO THE LESSONS COST?

Drum and percussion lessons cost $20.00 per half-hour lesson.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD I PRACTICE?

You should only practice on the days that you eat!

I recommend a minimum of 15 minutes a day. As the student collects more materials in their lessons, this time will naturally increase. It is better to practice a little everyday than a lot every few days. Try to schedule the same time of day and always practice in the same place. This way you can make practicing a natural part of your life.

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SHOULD I BUY A DRUMSET RIGHT NOW?

A student need not own a drumset to start lessons. The purchase of a drumset is a considerable financial commitment and should only be made when you are ready personally, musically and financially.

The biggest concern that clients voice to me is "What happens if we buy a drumset and six months later (student's name) isn't interested?" If you share this concern, wait on the purchase of a drumset until the student has shown regular dedication to practicing for a couple of months.

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WHAT IS YOUR LESSON PHILOSOPHY?

I believe that students will become successful lifelong drummers by introducing them to the fundamental techniques of all of the instruments in the percussion family. Student's can then apply this knowledge to the pursuit of any style of music and achieve great success.

Lesson topics have included all styles of drumset, snare drum, mallet percussion, hand drumming, timpani, concert percussion and marching percussion to name a few. If a student expresses interest in another area of drumming and percussion, I would be more than happy to offer what guidance I can.

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 ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

Please contact me with any other questions you might have regarding drum and percussion lesson curriculum, availability and rates.

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Moscow Drum Lesson Schedule
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
4:00
Cooper
Alec
Greg
Ryan F.
Owen
4:30
Amber
Cameron
Kurt
Daniel
Brooke
5:00
Anna
Gracie
Connor
Ian
Dan
5:30
Jason
Ryan C.
Jonah
Erik
Bob
6:00
Greg G.
Chandler
Emily
Sam
Jennifer
6:30
Robert
Tov
Cem
David
Bruno
7:00
Will

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Clarkston Drum Lesson Schedule
SPRING 2010

I will be student teaching in Spring 2010 and consequently I will not be able to teach drum lessons on the weekends in Clarkston.

Shawn Smith will be taking over drum instruction at the Clarkston location from January through June. If you are interested in continuing your study, send me an email and I will forward your information to Shawn. You can read more about Shawn here.

DRUM LESSON CALENDAR

Drum and percussion lessons are taught Monday through Friday in Moscow. There will be no lessons taught on the dates in black. Lessons will be taught in Clarkston on the dates in gray.

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JANUARY 2010
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FEBRUARY 2010
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MARCH 2010
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APRIL 2010
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MAY 2010
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JUNE 2010
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