Michael Smolens ● Percussion, Piano, Voice & Improvisation/Theory/Composition

Teaching Experience: I have been teaching privately & group classes, and at universities since 1974, and teaching other freelance teachers since 2000.  Also at Sonoma State University, East Bay Center For The Performing Arts, and S.F. & Marin City colleges.  My percussion coaching is focused on the basics of pulse, meter, and polyrhythms using mallet instruments from West-Africa (djun-djuns & balafon).  On drum set, I work with beginners to build independence with good ergonomics.  With more advanced players I focus on dynamics, fills, solos, and understanding the structure of a jazz tune to have convincing phrasing, especially hearing tension/release in the harmony.  I cover rhythm notation and help students maximize their practice time at home with state-of-the-art practicing tools to design & track their practicing.

Teaching Style/Philosophy: "My specialty for beginners is getting them grounded & comfortable with rhythm in order to prepare them for taking on more technique-specific instruments.  My specialty for drum set players is showing the parallel between this instrument and the piano — ergonomically and independence-wise."