Private lessons with Terrell
My name is Terrell Ford, and I am the percussion instructor for Manual High School’s South Side STEEL. I have been drumming since age 5, but I didn’t join my first drumline until I was 12. I played all through high school on two different drumlines and eventually went to college to continue to play. College was a short stint for me as I left to pursue a career in the music production space. Growing up, when I wasn’t drumming, I made songs and beats and recorded other artists, which is my first love and continues to this day. I have over 10 years of experience in music production and audio engineering. I play piano and bass guitar and grew up playing the alto saxophone. I’ve been blessed to be able to perform all over the country for various reasons, whether it’s drumline, performing as an artist, or being selected to perform for the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” Long story short I am well versed in music and would like to share my gifts back home in Peoria, IL and give kids another route of positivity that not only is fun but can indeed take them a long way just as it did for me.
Early signup
Private lessons have not officially started. Fill out the form below to show your interest. We are only taking 20 students.
Watch the video or read the FAQS below to learn more information.
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FAQs
How do private lessons work?
Our private lessons are set up to be classroom-style to meet the demand for any and all students who wish to explore their drumming talents. We will host a class once a week where our instructor, Terrell Ford, will teach new concepts and help bridge the gap for students struggling with specific ideas. Homework tasks will be given for the student to do at home. Please note that the student must practice at home independently for results to be seen. Thirty minutes daily is the minimum, and two hours daily is the recommended maximum. Class time alone will not be enough to see results. We will focus much of our time on practice pads; that is all needed to get your “chops” up as a drummer. Phase 3 students may spend time on actual drums. Classes will be held at Manual High School. If you would like our instructor to host 1-on-1 sessions at your house, there is an additional fee.
How much are private lessons?
Phase 1 classes are $35 per class per student.
Phase 2 classes are $50 per class per student.
Phase 3 classes are $65 per class per student.
The in-home travel fee is an additional $10 per class
What is the age requirement?
The minimum age is 4th grade or 10 years old. While we do not have an age cap, these lessons are focused on beginner—to intermediate-level drummers, so we may be able to help them become advanced drummers. If you are past high school, we are also open to lessons. These lessons center on the marching snare drum, which will be translated into the other marching percussion drums.
What does the student need to bring?
The students will need a set of marching drumsticks and a practice pad at their own expense. Here are my recommendations.
Sticks: ProMark Scott Johnson ($17)
Practice Pad: Evans ReelFeel 2-sided 12-inch ($42)
What are the phases?
Phase 1:
Phase 1 consists of 8 classes once weekly. During these classes, I teach the basics and lay the foundation for playing the actual drum. I do not go in-depth with reading music. These workshops are designed to increase your hand’s playing ability while teaching the basics of percussion music, the quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes.
Phase 2:
Phase 2 is optional. You will undergo 44 classes, one class a week. Within these classes, we will focus on learning the “40 basic rudiments” and training the hands for speed, precision, and control, emphasizing reading music.
Phase 3:
Phase 3 is optional; these one-time-a-week sessions are our most advanced lessons. You must have completed phases 1 and 2 before reaching phase 3. Inside phase 3, we will heavily emphasize reading advanced music consisting of mixed meters, odd meters, understanding simple vs compound meters, dynamics, etc. We will have an extreme focus on chaining hybrid rudiments together. There will be an emphasis on stick visuals and tricks. This phase has no class limit, and essentially, our percussion instructor, Terrell Ford, becomes your 1-on-1 coach to help you become a top percussionist.
How can I pay?
Our online payment processor handles the preferred payment method. You can pay weekly or monthly, or whatever works best for you. Due to the nature of the service, there are no refunds; however, you can cancel lessons at any time.
What Happens if I’m already a senior in high school?
Suppose you are in a particular case where you do not have the time to undergo Phase 1 and 2 before graduation or for any reason that doesn’t permit you to stay around long enough. In that case, you may skip to Phase 3, but Terrell Ford will determine that after assessing your current skill to see what and where you need assistance.
For all other questions?
Feel free to contact Terrell Ford, our percussion instructor, directly. 309-643-5529