Drum Lessons Houston - Also guitar, bass, keyboard, saxophone, flute

713-468-9100

Percussion Center
6990 Portwest Drive, #100
Houston, TX 77024

Fax: 713-647-6462

Drum Lessons in Houston
A Complete Music Program with Lessons in
Drumset - Djembe - Guitar - Bass - Keyboard - Saxophone
World & Latin Percussion - Cajon - Marimba - Drum Corp

The Percussion Center School of Music offers a music program for young people and adults throughout the greater Houston area that includes private lessons, clinics, master classes, jam sessions, workshops, showcase events, and band camps. This format guarantees an opportunity for accelerated learning and performance opportunities. The excellent teaching staff can assist you whether your goal is to brush up on your technique or start from scratch. Lessons are taught in our private studios six days a week. Lessons available for drumset, African percussion, guitar, bass, keyboard, marimba, drum corp, world & Latin percussion and saxophone. Clinics, showcase events, jam sessions, master classes and band camps are held in the Percussion Center performance hall. Band Camps offered include Rock 'n Roll Band Camp, GirlzRock Band Camp and Rock On Band Camp. Call 713-468-9100 for pricing and schedule availability. Then download the student registration form here and fax it back to us.

Teaching Staff

Patrick Courtney - Drum Set and Percussion

Patrick is the drummer for Sugar Land Christ United Methodist Church and currently plays with his band "Off the Record". He has been playing the drums since he was 12 and earned state honors in Jazz Ensemble while at Nacogdoches High School. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University where he played with the Lumberjack Marching Band (Quads and Snare), Symphonic Band (Snare, Timpani) and the Swinging Axes Jazz Band. Patrick has been teaching since 1998 and joined our staff in 2004. He teaches reading, concert snare and many styles of drum set in a fun and relaxed way. He especially loves to work with our young students or those who have never played before.

Luis Alfaro - Drums and Percussion
Drumset and master percussionist, Luis Alfaro graduated from the Kienzel School of Music in Miami, Florida and the Academy of Sacred Music in New York City. He is motivated by his father and mentore, music professor, Mr. Jorge Alfaro, whom he has studied with for many years and still more to come. He has also studied under Latin percussionist and drumset artists including University of Miami's Billy Vee and Latin great Arturo Sandoval. In his native country of Costa Rica he created his own Latin percussion ensemble and was in charge of the percussion faculty of the Barva Percussion Institue of Music and the Monterrey High School Drum Core. As a performer he has toured Europe, the United States and Latin American with big bans, jazz ensembles, Latin percussion groups, rock bands and classical ensembles. He enjoys teaching all ages and all styles of music. If it's Latin percussion, hand percussion or any style of drumset instruction, Luis is highly qualified and totally bilingual.

Luis Alfaro - Baterista y percussionista profesional
Baterista y percussionista profesional, Luis Alfaro graduado de la Escuela de Musica Kienzel en Miami, FL y de la Academia de Musica Sagrada en Nueva York. Motivado por su padre licendiado en musica Don Jorge Alfaro con el que ha estudiado por muchos anos. Tambien ha estudiado bajo la direccion de muchos artistas de percusion latina y bateria incluyendo los profesores Billy Vee y el gran maestro de musica latina Artura Sandoval de la "U" de Miami. Regresando a su pais Costa Rica, creo su propia agrupacion de musica latina. Encargado de la facultad de percusion de el Instituto de Musica de Barva, Costa Rica, y del cuerpo d tambores del Colegio Monterrey. Como ejecutante se ha presentado en Europa, America, Latina y grandes cuidades de los Estados Unidos con conjuntos, orguestas, ensambles de percusion de jazz, musica Latina, rock y musica clasica. El disfruta ensenor todas las edades y todos estilos de musica sea percusion Latina o bateria, Luis es todo un instructor profesional y completamente bilingue.

Jim Calvert - Drumset, Snare Drum, Marching Percussion, Basic Piano

Jim began playing the concert snare in elementary school and continued through junior high. In high school, he joined the jazz band (drum set) and marching band (quads). He became the first junior to take the position of marching percussion leader at his school and as a senior, received the John Phillips Sousa award for his achievements. Jim then went on to receive a music scholarship at Missouri Baptist University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in vocal music in 1996. Jim has been teaching private lessons since high school and teaches drum set, snare drum, marching percussion and basic piano. He currently fronts his rock duo Jambi's Revenge where he sings and plays the drums while standing. Jim officially endorses Paiste cymbals, Aquarian drumheads, HPCustom drums and Regal Tip sticks. His band page can be viewed at www.myspace.com/jambisrevenge

Candace Jordan - Piano, Violin, Cello, Mallet Instruments

Candace Jordan will be graduating from Texas Southern University in December 2007 as a music education major.She has with the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff "M4" Marching Band, "KRANK" Drumline, University Wind Symphony and with the Little Rock Wind Symphony as a keyboard and auxiliary percussionist.She was also a member of the Texas Southern "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band, "Funk Train" Drumline, and University Wind Ensemble.As a private lesson teacher, Candace has trained a studio of 30 students ranging from the ages of 4 to 30 in piano and Suzuki violin.She is highly capable of teaching piano at all levels, violin and cello from the beginner to the intermediate level, and all keyboard percussions from the beginner to the intermediate level. Candace Jordan is also educated in using the Kodaly, Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Orff methods to teach music to all students of various learning modalities.

Brian Bell - Drumset

Brian has been drumming since he was 13. After high school Brian studied privately at Texas Christian University under Joey Carter who was on staff in the music school. He graduated from the drum program at the LA Music Academy in Pasadena, CA. During this intense 40 week program he learned a variety of styles including, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, ECM/Fusion, and and studied grooves in odd time signatures. Besides playing drumset, Brian also plays many different afro-cuban and brazilian instruments such as congas, timbales, tamborim, surdo, pandeiro etc. While attending LAMA Brian played in both the school’s fusion and Latin bands, playing drumset in the fusion band while playing percussion in the Latin band.

Lee Martin -Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Music Theory
Lee Martin started playing professionally at 15 years of age. He then received a masters degree in composition from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. For many years Lee has written advertising jingles for the Texas region. Among his hits are the “Greensheet Brings You Buyers”, “You’ll Really See a Difference At TSO” and the Original “Eat At Joe’s” for Joes Crab Shack. In addition to the trio and jingles, Lee's group, The Luxury Trio, plays at corporate parties, weddings, and receptions. www.luxurytrio.com

Michael Blair - Drums, Mallet Insruments, Percussion

Michael Blair is a percussionist originally from the Houston area. He became a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps at the age of 16 and performed with the group from 1999-2001. He attended Cleveland State University and became the first undergraduate percussionist to study under Tom Freer of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. During this time he headed many instructional programs in the Cleveland/Akron area including the VH1 Fund as an instructor to inner city children. He then received his Masters in Music from Carnegie Mellon University under the instruction of Tim Adams (Principle Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony). While there he continued to perform with numerous ensembles (Pittsburgh Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra Blossom Festival, Youngstown Symphony and West Virginia Symphony). Returning to Houston he continued to work with bands in the area (the Woodlands High School and Dulles High School). He is also a resident percussionist at the Fellowship of the Woodlands Church and Grace Bible Church. Michael continues to perform and record many musical endeavors that cover all realms of percussion from Classical to Funk to Electronic.

Nick Huneycutt - Drumset, Concert Percussion, Marching Percussion

Nick Huneycutt first picked up the drums at the age of 12 when he entered band in 6^th grade. He continued playing drum set in his middle school and high school jazz ensembles, as well as placing as center snare his sophomore through junior years on the Westside High School drumline. He has been awarded superior ratings in UIL solo/ensemble competitions all four years in both solo and ensemble divisions, as well as receiving an outstanding soloist award his junior year for a drumset solo with the school’s jazz ensemble.

Nick is currently working on getting a degree in music education, right now earning his associates in music at Cy-Fair College on music scholarships for performing in the school’s jazz ensemble. He plays throughout Texas in various metal bands and jazz ensembles. He plans to transfer to the University of Houston music program by the fall for his undergrad degree, and then transfer to the Berklee School of Music for his graduate’s degree. He has taught at the Percussion Center since 2006, and has also taught at Memorial High school and Westside High schools. He teaches all levels of playing for drumset, concert percussion, and marching percussion.

Dustin Wolfe - Drumset

Dustin started playing drums around the age of 10. His father is a drummer and encouraged him early on to take up the sticks. Throughout junior high and high school he was involved with playing music in school, church, and with local bands. Dustin graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelors degree in Marketing. At Baylor, Dustin studied jazz privately with Professor Todd Meehan. In 2008, he graduated from the drum program at LA Music Academy in Pasadena, California. Dustin teaches jazz, rock, funk, latin, and sight reading on the drum set at all levels.

Ian Hammer - Guitar, Bass and Drums

Studied at HCCS school of music, was quickly picked up by the band Petesimple where he did a nation wide tour. Also played in the bands Katie Stuckey Band and Spencer. He has played with notable acts as T.S.O.L.,Wayne Wilkerson formerly of Lyle Lovett and is a member of the Texas Big Beat band. Currently Playing for Chapelwood Methodist Church and Mosaic House of Prayer For Grace Methodist/Opendoor Fellowship.Ian teaches bass,guitar and drums and is one of the busiest teachers at the Percussion Center He is available for lessons Monday through Saturday.

Artist in Residence

Mike Henry - Drum Set/Brush Technique

Mike's three CD's as a leader include Mike Henry Live, Big Percussion which was the sound track for the film ''The Last Known Documentary'' and Scared Sound Experience.

Mike Henry grew up in Los Angles and studied drums with Mel Zelnick. The experience of being a teacher at Mel's drum shop became the inspiration for the Percussion Center. By age seventeen Mike was working professionally around the Los Angles area. Mike attended San Fernando State [now Northridge State] on a music scholarship and studied under Ron Johnson and Joel Leach. Gigs and performances with Terry Gibbs, Bill Waltrous, Gerald Wilson and Walt Disney Studios followed. Mike spent the next 10 years touring all over the United States and Canada including a stint in Japan.

Mike settled in Houston and started working with Houston's top musicians almost immediately including Harry Sheppard, Bobby Lyle, the Green Onions, Ken Ward, Dennis Cotton, Paul English, Dennis Dotson, Tom Cummings and Ray Dillard. Mike's current project is the Luxury Trio with Lee Martin.

Mike is a member of ASCAP, a Paiste Cymbal Artist, Regal Tip stick endorser and creator of HPCustom Drums. Mike is known for his great brush technique and musical drum set approach. Mike is available for lessons on Thursday and other days by appointment.

www.myspace.com/bigpercussion

What People Have to Say about the Percussion Center School of Music

Mike,

Just wanted to let you know that my son, Corey Hardegree, made drumline captian for this coming school year (his senior year) at MHS! He’s very excited. His plan is to go to UT and would like to play for the Longhorn Drumline.

Thanks for all the support along the way!! It all started at Percussion Center.

-Jill

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Mike,

I don't know if you still remember me but I am writing to you about my son Joler who started lessons in your old building located along I-10. I am very proud to say my son plays the drums with confidence now and has decided to pursue a career in percussion. He is now in junior high school and a regular drum player in our own church; he also joined a rock band where he enjoys playing with his friends and hopeful that he will become a well known drummer one day.

I would like to thank you and the percussion center for helping kids like mine to build on their dreams and realize their hidden talents. I was sure then that my son had a potential and if someone could guide him and teach him, he would become an expert in playing. My hopes and dreams for my son is to become successful in his chosen career and be a role model to other kids who have the passion for playing the drums.

I wish you and percussion center more power and more students to come! God bless you and the whole staff!

Sincerely,
Joel Sampang
Father of Joler Sampang

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Mike,

In the almost three years now that I have been a Percussion Center customer / student (time flies when you’re making loud noises), I’ve made an observation about the teaching staff that, while perhaps obvious, is noteworthy. There is significant diversity in the staff.

The Percussion Center drumming instructors come in a wide range of ages which translates into a wide range of influences and a wide range of musical interests and style specialties. You and I are roughly the same age and, consequently, grew up drumming with many of the same drummer influences from the swing, jazz, and early rock years. Others, Jim for example, are quite a bit younger and thus began studying drumming with an entirely different set of contemporaries. Then we have Luis, who brings his strong Latin background into the mix. Toss in Patrick, Brian, etc., and you can see a real mix. (The age differences also help fuel the traditional grip verses matched grip battle, but that’s for another time.)

This diversity of instructors equates to a major advantage for the student. For example, there have been times where I have come in for my lesson and you were either out of town or tied up with a non-movable commitment in the store. In those times, either Luis or Jim has filled in and done the lesson. This provided opportunities to work with an instructor who approaches things a little differently which provides to the student an alternate point of view or approach to playing (sort of like buying videos by Steve Smith and JoJo Mayer; different guys, different teaching; both valuable).

While there is a clear preference for working with the same instructor most of the time to keep on track, the availability of the occasional “substitute” provides a nice opportunity to branch out once in a while in a way that seems to foster a broader musical growth.

But this doesn’t mean that you can goof off on Thursdays now :) See you tomorrow morning.

David Duerr

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THANKS for all you do with Jordan. It really means a lot to us that you take so much time and effort to make sure that he understands what he's doing and to personally connect with him rather than just going through the motions of teaching.

We've seen so much more confidence and self-esteem in him with regard to his drums lately, and I know that is because you are demanding that he tap into his potential when he could slide along. I'm not sure if you remember, but he didn't originally "make" this Jr High band at church; he was only listed as an alternate on drums and voice. That audition process was the end of last school year, before he spent the summer working with you, participating in the Percussion Center Rock 'n Roll Band Camp and practicing what you taught. His ability increased, his demeanor was confident, he did well when he got to play and has been included in the band.

In fact, I was thinking about all of this because he told us last night when we picked him up from a two hour rehearsal that he was the only drummer there. He said he didn't know the songs, but he learned them - didn't seem stressed or anything and that credit goes to you. I remember you initially told me you wanted to back him up, teach him some things over, make sure he does them right, give him the ability to "know" what's going on and have others recognize that......it's just been awesome to watch the changes and see him realize this goal of playing in the youth band, and I wanted to let you know that!

Plus, we have really enjoyed getting to know you and Donna and all the guys at the store better during these last months that you have been teaching him. It's wonderful how you've integrated such a wonderful warm family and caring atmosphere into your business, and we appreciate that fact. It's really been a blessing for us in finding the Percussion Center, and that care and involvement is what brought us there for lessons.

I'm sure you've made a difference to a lot of people. Just wanted to let you know.

See you Thursday - LeAnn