Jonathan lives for the beat. The groove. The rhythm. The underlying pulse that makes us all want to get up and move. Jonathan is our first drum teacher and a recent addition to the GitterPicker teaching and sales staff.

Jonathan has been playing professional for over 10 years and is a regular on the Akron/Cleveland band circuit. He plays with a number of bands including Newport, High Winds, and BeachSmack. You are sure to find him at many jam nights around the area providing the backbone and the “pulse” for many professional and up-and-coming musicians

Jonathan believes that stick control is one of the most important elements in learning to play the drums. "Sticks are an extension of your hand". He works with every aspiring drummer to become comfortable with drumsticks and how to control them.  His teaching style is to help students learn how to play to the song with aesthetics while adapting and adjusting your playing to fit with the groove and rhythmic structure of the song.

Jonathan works with students of all ages on the importance of dynamics, volume control and timing. But he also works with students on an often overlooked element of playing the drums – listening! His students become keenly aware of how their parts fit within the structure of band or ensemble and how to contribute to the rhythm section so that everyone is on the same page musically.

Jonathan believes drums are beneficial not only in music but in school and other learning situations. Drums exercise your  brains and your muscles at the same time. It helps a person to develop dexterity, motor skills, and great hand-eye coordination. The challenges of playing drums prepares you for the challenges you face in life, and then some!