Tom Bernett's
Drums and Vocals Demo Page
More than 35 years of professional experience

TEACHING

Home
.....History.....Experience.....Styles.....Equipment

Drum Examples
. ..Vocal Examples.. .
Playing. ..Teaching

Currently Accepting New Drum Students in Pinehurst, NC:

I teach at the new Sandhills Music Academy, located at 2207 Pinehurst Plaza in Pinehurst/Aberdeen (Sandhills Bowling Center, Food Lion, etc), and am currently accepting new drum students, from beginner through adult.

My initial stress is on developing a student's hands, followed by independence on the drum kit.

I teach a modern rudimental approach to the drum set that incorporates elements of both French stick control and the drumming methods of Sanford Moeller, which were developed in the early 1900s and made famous by Buddy Rich and famed drum clinician Jim Chapin. More recently, the Moeller method has been receiving increased interest among young rock drummers due to the rise of the newer generation of drumming stars such as JoJo Mayer, Neal Peart, Steve Smith, and many others.

French stick control is used for speed with finesse, often required with combo jazz music and traditional orchestral playing, while the Moeller method is used to develop the speed and power that is useful in rock music, big band jazz, or drum corps style playing. Mastery of both methods helps insure that drummers are prepared to perform with exceptional skill in all musical situations -- this is especially useful in variety bands, shows, and studio situations where drummers are required to rapidly change between many different styles of playing.

In addition, these stick control techniques can provide a solid technical foundation for learning other percussion instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, or tympani. I also stress the need for young drummers to learn to read music in order to expand their musical horizons and to increase their employment opportunities should my students someday decide to turn pro.

My goal is not to grow a crop of drummers; my goal is to grow good musicians who happen to play drums.


Lessons are
30-minutes in length. Students are expected to take one lesson per week. Extremely advanced or dedicated students may apply for an additional one lesson per week, provided their schedules allow for sufficient practice time. Lesson fees are $30 per lesson, payable monthly in advance.

Students are required to provide their own drumsticks, as well as be responsible for the purchase of various lesson books and materials as they progress. Initial requirements are one lightweight pair of sticks and one "marching" weight pair of sticks, along with the book "Stick Control" by George Lawrence Stone. Although a owning a drum set is not initially required, the purchase of a practice pad for home practice is suggested.

For more information or to sign up for lessons, please call me at 910-692-8839 (or cell: 910-603-6467... note: cell phone not answered while teaching lessons or during performances).




Tom Bernett
838 Knollwood Village - Southern Pines, NC 28387
910-692-8839

ttbernett@nc.rr.com