Lessons - Clinics/Workshops - Session Work - Bands

Lessons

Locations and Rates–I currently teach private drum/percussion lessons at Linton-Milano Music in Downtown Mesa, AZ on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday and at my home studio in Gilbert on Mondays. Each studio is equipped with side-by-side drumsets facing the same direction, making learning to play the drums as easy as possible. Rates are $25/half hour at either Linton-Milano or at my home studio. Linton-Milano offers a family rate of $23/half hour.

Skype Lessons–Through a relatively new and free video conferencing technology called Skype, it is now possible for me to offer drum lessons no matter your location. Skype requires a computer with a web cam and microphone.
Skype lessons are the same rate as lessons taught “in person”, $25/half hour. To pay for the Skype lessons go to the menu bar under “Products”. For scheduling and/or more information, please feel free to contact me.

Teaching Philosophy–I believe that everyone has the potential to be a good drummer, no matter your age or your level of natural talent or experience. All it takes is a combination of a self-motivated practice routine and the right kind of instruction. If you study with me, I will devise a multi-sensory learning plan that is tailor-made for your learning style.

Here are some other points of interest related to my teaching practice:

I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and taught elementary school (4th grade) for 5 years and middle school science for one year.
I have over 20 years of drum lesson teaching experience.
In addition to drumset, I also teach other percussion instruments such as bells, rudimental and orchestral snare drum, and Latin percussion, including congas and bongos.
I developed a method to teach drumset to young children called Drumset for Preschoolers (see “Products” button) that originated from a program that I developed at the Barness Family Jewish Community Center. This method uses the drumset to teach both preschool and music skills.
Two of my books, Drum Aerobics and Daily Drum Warm-Ups, explore the relationship between drumming and exercise. I can help you design an exercise program that will take advantage of the aerobic and anaerobic benefits of drumming.
I produced a novel approach using mathematics to teach reading, writing, and playing rhythms. This approach is used in my books Drumscapes and Drumcraft.
Video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero World Tour have inspired many gamers to want to learn how to play real instruments. I’ve devised a method to help you transition from gamer to real rocker.

Clincs/Workshops

Just like private lessons, I tailor-make clinics/workshops to fit your needs. Rates for clinics vary depending on factors such as location, expenses, length of clinic, etc. Please contact me for more information. The following shows examples of some of the types of clinics that I can perform as professional development opportunities for music teachers, visits to music classrooms, drum festivals, and music store clinics.

Technique of Efficient Motion/Stroke Tap Instructions
Jazz Drumming
A Logical Approach to Sticking
An Integrated Approach to Teaching Rhythm
Drum Grooves from Around the World
The Andy Ziker Jazz Quartet (performance followed by question and answer).
Drumset for Preschoolers

“Andy Ziker has taught the Willis Jazz Band drummers consistently over the past several years, and I have found him to be a great benefit to our rhythm section. Not only has he worked with the percussionists, but also the large ensemble, giving great advice and constructive feed back. He offers an exciting approach to set playing with important and special insights about the role of the percussionist in within the ensemble. He helped the Willis Band through state-wide and international performances.”
John Studzinski,
Director of Bands, Willis Junior High, Chandler, Arizona

“I have worked with Andy extensively as both a performer and a clinician. He brings a generous spirit and tireless preparation to both endeavors. His energy immediately grabs the audience and his experience allows him to sustain that level of engagement from the audience throughout the presentation. Through his years as a classroom teacher,
professional player, and accomplished writer, he has developed a bag of tricks deep enough to handle any teaching situation.”
Dave Henning
Jazz Pianist/Composer/Educator

“Andy participated with me in several clinics for elementary school children. He has shown tremendous ability to capture the attention of the students allowing them to learn and participate. Not many performers have the ability to teach, but Andy certainly is a master teacher, clinician, as well as performer.”
Bart Salzman
Outreach Coordinator for Jazz in Arizona, Inc

“Andy is amazing with young children. His musical talent, skill and patience shows in the way he works with each child individually. He instills in them a passion for music and especially a love for drumming.”
Ronna Levy
Director of Early Childhood Education
Barness Family JCC

Session Work

I have 25 years of studio drumming experience, playing a multitude of genres. This experience and my ability to communicate musically allows me to zero in on the exact style of drumming that you want for your project. I also feel comfortable using my musical intuition and creativity to add my own personality to your music. Besides showing up in person for a studio date, I have the technological capabilities to add drums and/or percussion through email, file transfer (Fetch), or regular mail. Send me your file, and after we agree on a price, I’ll add my drum part and send it back to you.

“Andy is one of my top ‘go-to guys’ for all my studio projects. His musicality, creativity and talent shine through every track he plays.”
Robert J. Payne, music producer

“Andy is a wonderful asset in any recording situation. He is focused, always in the pocket, and very musical.”
John Herrera
Clamsville Productions

“As a bassist, the caliber of drummer you’re partnered with can be the difference between struggling to make something sound musical or being able to just relax and play. I am always happy to be involved in sessions and gigs with Andy Ziker, because it’s sure to be the latter. Andy always brings a great attitude along with his ridiculous arsenal of chops n’ grooves!”
John Willis
Studio Musician