About Alexander
Alexander is a dedicated music instructor specializing in drum set, percussion, composition, jazz improvisation, music appreciation, music history, and beginner-intermediate music theory. He emphasizes fundamental techniques, music notation, the role of the drummer, rudiments, and basic grooves, progressing to more advanced concepts such as serving the music, rhythmic textures, improvisation, and developing individual style. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance and a Master of Arts in musicology, with accolades including the James A Faraday Memorial Music Award. Patient and supportive, Alexander ensures that students face musical challenges with confidence and determination. He offers online lessons and is available for in-home lessons in select areas. Book an interview with Alexander now.
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER NOW
My teaching philosophy hinges on the understanding that music is not only an amazing practice to participate in, but also a lense through which we are able to explore all kinds of concepts, perspectives, and ways of being in the world. No matter the level of the student, as we explore the world of music and drumming, we will also explore many broad ideas that relate in compelling ways to the world around us. Depending on the level of the student, lessons entail study from fundamental techniques such as stick grip, music notation, the role of the drummer, rudiments, and basic grooves in all popular styles to more advanced concepts such as serving the music (musicianship), employing various rhythmic textures and subtle alterations, solo and group improvisation, and the relative importance of developing individual style. Always catering to the personal goals of each student, my lessons are sure to inspire students of all levels and ages to embrace their musical development, and most importantly, groove hard!
Name: Alexander (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: male
I hold both a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance and a Master of Arts in musicology (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS)
James A Faraday Memorial Music Award - 2010
Very patient and understanding; supportive of students when facing musical challenges. I hit the nail on the head by conveying information that many teachers often (unintentionally) withhold from students. This makes learning faster and more efficient; I will present you with the information instead of making you come to very important realizations completely on your own (and many years later!)
English
French
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Alexander is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Alexander can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.