About Craig Nieske

Education: • Trained in classical percussion and tympani, studying 5 years with the principal percussionist of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, MA. • Studied at Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, Bloomfield, CT, performing in orchestra under Moshe Paranov and concert band under Larry Livingston. • Studied hand technique, jazz, rock and Latin applications for drum set with various teachers for 10 years.

Performance Experience: 30 years of performance experience, including orchestral percussion and drummer in various east coast bands including The Sun Protection Factor Four (www.spf-4.com) and Changes in Latitudes (www.changesinlatitudes.com).

Teaching Experience: • 30 years teaching experience, focusing on hand technique, reading, and practical performance. • 8 years teaching drums and percussion at Music & Arts, 8653 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027 (NE Charlotte location). • Comfortable teaching all ages.

Teaching Philosophy: • Every student should learn to read music because it increases one’s capacity to learn. • Lesson structure generally includes hand technique, snare drum and drum set reading with focus toward quickly performing along with contemporary popular music based on the student’s preferences. • General music education includes a perspective on musical genres, style and song forms. • Students involved with school music programs are encouraged to bring their school music to the lesson for review.