Peter O'Gorman Percussion Studio

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I am a percussionist, drummer, composer, teacher, and author

I've been teaching percussion and drumset lessons for over 20 years. My students regularly become section leaders in their school band program, garner superior ratings at solo and ensemble contests, earn positions in All-State Concert Band & All-State Jazz Ensemble, and go on to receive Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in music.

I am also the author of two drumset method books that have received critical praise from Modern Drummer Magazine, Percussive Notes magazine and numerous top pros.

As a professional musician, I have performed as a soloist and with a multitude of very diverse composers and ensembles at theaters and concert halls throughout the U.S. and abroad. In the Twin Cities, I have performed at the Guthrie Theater, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Walker Art Center, O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, Ted Mann Concert Hall, Northrop Auditorium, the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, numerous colleges, churches, and other venues.

My Musical Education Background

I have bachelor's degree in music performance and composition from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls.

Genres and Subjects Taught

When teaching Drumset, I have programs in the following genres:
- Jazz
- rock
- Afro-Cuban
- Brazilian
- Big Band (Jazz Ensemble)
- Chart Reading

When teaching general percussion, I have programs in the following disciplines:

- Concert Percussion including mallets instruments (marimba, bells/glockenspiel, etc.)
- Marching Percussion/Rudimental
- Percussion accessories

DRUMSET AND PERCUSSION LESSONS:

I teach students at all stages of their musical development. I work with each student to custom design a program that facilitates their learning style while addressing their musical needs and aspirations. My students learn good practice habits, how to approach challenging material, how to prepare for auditions, recitals and concerts, and how to develop their own creative voice. My overarching goal is for students to discover the joy of playing music while developing a high degree of musicianship.

In lessons, I often create individualized audio tutorials that students can practice with at home. These tutorials are designed to help students with lesson material, audition pieces, percussion parts for concert band, interpretations of jazz band charts, recital pieces, chop builder, grooves, fills, and more.

In addition to teaching private lessons, I am also an American Composers Forum Certified Teaching Artist. As a McKnight Composer Fellow, I have lead percussion and composition workshops throughout Minnesota and beyond.

I am also the author of two drumset method books that have received critical praise from Modern Drummer Magazine, Percussive Notes magazine and numerous top pros.

Because It is important that parents feel that Iʼm a good match (both pedagogically and personally) for their child, I offer a free, no obligation lesson/meeting for prospective students. If you are interested in scheduling a free lesson or if you have any questions, I would be delighted to hear from you.


PIANO LESSONS FOR FUTURE PERCUSSIONISTS:

I teach a private piano lesson program designed specifically for students who are planning to play percussion in the school band. This pre-percussion piano program will concentrate on the specific skills a student will need to be fully prepared to enter the school percussion section. These lessons will be taught in a percussion studio (on an acoustic Yamaha piano) from the viewpoint of a percussion teacher who knows exactly what is needed to be a successful percussionist. This studio environment will be an exciting, motivating, and nurturing place for a future percussionist to study piano.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this pre percussion piano program, or if you are interested in percussion lessons, I'd be happy to hear from you.

Lesson Rates

$26 for half hour lessons
$52 for hour lessons

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I have experience teaching students at all levels, beginning to advanced, from 5 to 75 years old

My Certifications and Awards

COMPOSITION AWARDS:

2015 McKnight Fellowship for Composers supported by the American Composers Forum (ACF)
2012 Minnesota SAGE Award for Dance, Outstanding Design—Music & Score
2011 Minnesota SAGE Award for Dance, Outstanding Design—Music & Score
2011 Live Music for Dance Minnesota—The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
2010 McKnight Fellowship for Composers supported by the American Composers Forum (ACF)
2007 Jerome Composers Commission Program grant underwritten by ACF
2004 Jerome Composers Commission Program grant underwritten by ACF

President, Percussive Arts Society-Minnesota Chapter
Award, Percussive Arts Society Outstanding Chapter President Award, AKA Chapter President of the Year (75 chapters world wide)

Service Area

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