Private Play Like The Pros

Drum Instruction

Whether you are a beginner who has just purchased that new set of drums, or a seasoned player, you may be seeking answers to the following: 

• How and what should I practice in order to achieve the results I want?

• How did that drummer play that lick on that song?

• Why did my favorite drummer choose that pattern to play?

• How do the professionals approach their practice sessions?

• How can I be more creative in my playing? 

• How much does developing my technique help me be more creative? 

• What can I do to stay relaxed and confident when I play? 

• What can I do to increase my ability to play at fast tempos? 

• Do I have to be able to read music to play professionally? 

• How much should I practice?  How often?  What should I practice to become well rounded in my ability to play with others?

• Should I choose to play electronic drums or acoustic drums?

• How do I choose the right instruments for my playing style?

• I want to play my drums with a band.  How can I do that?

• Who can I enlist to teach me about electronic drums, midi and how they can aid me in my playing?

• What can I do to understand how to develop my playing so that I can play all styles of music?  

• I am frustrated with my playing or the speed at which I seem to learn.  What can I do?   

These are just a few of the many questions that you may have asked yourself.  Why not take a few moments to find out just what you can do to enhance your playing.  When you call, I will ask you a few questions to see if my study methods can help you achieve your goals. You will only be investing a short period of time in what may be the next step towards what you are searching for.  I take a limited number of students for private instruction.  My approach is simple and that is to “make learning fun”.  As an example, each lesson can include your playing with real music, not just reading written drum parts.  Give me a call and learn more about my approach at 281.333.0052.

Paul L. Kush -  Biography
 

Hello and thanks for taking a moment to investigate my drum and percussion study approach.  A little bit about me and my career.  I started my music career at 17 years old.  After years of playing football and baseball, I decided I wanted to extend myself and embrace others performing.  I was married at 18 with a newborn son, Paul James.  It became evident that it was time to "make some money" to support my new family.  I decided to attend Cerritos College after graduating from Downey High School in Downey, California.  I immediately joined the Cerritos College Stage band, and started studying with the best teachers I could find including Denny Dennis, Fred Gruber, and Joe Porcaro. I also studied vibes and took classes at The Dick Grove School of Music.   During that period I joined a 7-piece group called Magic Grass.  We were quickly signed on Decca records and I was in 7^th heaven to say the least.

 Eventually I decided to start my own group, "The Next Step".  The group recorded its own originals as well as many of its members with well-known recording groups. I also did private teaching at Downey Music and La Habra Music for a number of years.  Wanting to try something new in the mid-70’s, I joined the Eddie Cash Show.  His show was challenging in that we did all styles of music from the 40’s to current times.  We did a tour circuit that included Tahoe, Reno and Las Vegas Nevada as well as tours across the Midwest and up the West Coast to Canada.   It was a great experience.

 Eventually the road got “old”, I missed my kids, and I chose to come back to Los Angeles to start up another group.  It worked once so I decided to reestablish "The Next Step".  We played primarily in the Los Angeles, Orange County areas.  During this period I started playing more and more in the studios doing jingles, TV Cues (Hawaii 5.0/Knotts Landing), and with various recording artists including Aretha Franklin, The Righteous Bros., Harvey Mason, Lee Ritenour, and Lalo Shifrin.  About this time 1980, synthesizers started to enter the scene.  The new electronics included drum machines, sequencers and software designed to the MIDI specification.  I decided I would join the computer revolution rather than fight it.  In 1991 I moved to Houston and love it since I am originally from Ft. Worth.  Well that’s about it.  

One final thought.... I advise everyone to find a passion and pursue it.... the result is that wonderful feeling I sum up as “true happiness".

Thanks for your interest.  I look forward to meeting you.