All lessons are customized to reflect the musical goals and interests of each student. J.J. believes every student is talented in their own way and it is her job to help express, nurture and develop that talent. Regardless of age or level, J.J. helps each student to define, reach for, and achieve their musical goals and dreams, build confidence in themselves and their abilities, and develop into musical drummers.

Ear training is paramount in developing musical drummers. Ear training is what gives a student an intuitive understanding of what they are hearing and therefore, what/how to play. While learning such skills as the ability to read music or knowing the rudiments are important and deserve attention and practice, J.J. believes that it is through ear training that a student learns how to groove and improvise. As a result, her main objective is to develop each student’s musical ear. Whether playing pop, jazz, big band, rock, blues, country or R&B, students will learn what it means to play in the mix. Playing in the mix requires balance. Balance is the key to playing a solid groove. Balance consists of dynamics, creating peaks and valleys in the music, tension and release, beat placement, and understanding form. Students can apply the skills and concepts learned in lessons (balance, groove and improvisation) in music as well as in other areas of life.