PERCUSSION PROGRAMS

TIPS (Total Integrated Percussion Studies) is an instructional facility founded by Jeff Salem. Jeff's mission: to teach proper percussion method using his own curriculum, and design an educational program suited to the specific needs of the student. Using a state of the art facility Jeff strives to create a fun, relaxing and mutually beneficial learning environment for the student and instructor alike. Students will be introduced to all styles of drumming (including Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, Double Bass Technique, Chart Reading, Snare Drum studies, Polyrhythms, Odd Time Signatures and many more...)and will have a chance to partake in one-on-one lessons with qualified instructors.

At TIPS we specialized in preparing students for art school auditions ranging from Secondary schools through to College and University Programs.

LESSON NEWS:

Please view the NEWS page as there have been some exciting new changes with the TIPS teaching studio. New photos of the Lesson rooms and facilities have now been posted and can be viewed below.

Teaching Faculty:

JEFF SALEM (For a bio, please refer to the bio page on this site)

MATT McFARLAND (For a bio on Matt McFarland please click here).

LESSON RATES

30 minutes weekly: $20.00
45 minutes weekly: $30.00
60 minutes weekly or bi-weekly: $40.00

VIDEO & AUDIO TAPED LESSONS INCLUDED

The Tips Teaching Facility	The students view as seen on a 27" TV screen in the teaching facility. A camera films the instructors during the lessons, allowing students to view the lesson in progress and bring a tape home to practice with.	Video tape view of instructors drum kit
The Students Drum Set	Hand percussion lessons are offered on a variety of instruments including: Congas, Bongos, Djmebe's and Timbales. We find the piano useful in accompanying our students while they play.	The practice pad area allows the student and teacher to view themselves in a mirror as they focus on technical areas of drumset technique.
The Waiting Room: Fully complete with television, reading material and fridge filled with complimentary bottled water.	Pac-man and 38 other classic video games while you wait.	We provide the students with a warm-up station that will allow them to warm-up before their lesson.

HERE IS WHAT SOME OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TIPS:

	"I have been a student of Jeff for many years now. he is a great teacher and a great person. One word ...AWESOME. " - Dan Goodfellow
	"I'm having the time of my life. Jeff's teaching style makes it so easy to learn, that never feels like work. Thanks for being such a dedicated professional Jeff!" - Rachael Richards
	"I enjoy drumming with Matt so much I want to attend lessons TWICE a week! " - Jeremy Gawaran
	"Jeff's enthusiasm for teaching proves to be highly effective for students at any stage of development!" - Keith Do Rego
	"I love drumming, especially with Jeff. He makes it really fun for me to learn." - Maddalene Tuzi
	" I really enjoy studying with Matt at TIPS!" - Mike Moorman
	" Jeff's excellent at not only teaching the technical aspects of drumming, but also in the way he demonstrates how it all fits together. The time flies by, and with the lessons videotaped, I can review what we've covered anytime." -Scott Anderson
	"Matt's a great drum teacher. he's patient,and will convince you to keep trying your best." - Olivia D' Rolfi
	" Studying drums with Jeff is like Studting Math with Einstein " - Miles Gibbons
	"Jeff taught me how to have fun practicing!" - Matthew Chalmers
	" Jeff is a great teacher because he makes learning fun and builds your confidence - allowing you to think anything is possible. He gives patience and time to allow you to achieve and master even the most difficult drum beats!" - Spencer Bernard

The "Educational Seminars in Percussion" program (E.S.P.) was designed to support the music director at the local middle and high school level by motivating students to further their music and percussive studies.

The educational and artistic content focuses on everything from rudimental drumming, classical/concert band drumming to drum set performance. Jeff will discusses stick holding, warm-up exercises, time keeping, practicing with a metronome, dynamics, listening skills, chart reading, various styles, working with other musicians, careers in music, practicing tips for all instrument players, product knowledge and much, much more. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. All music student will benefit from this event.

The students will be given handouts and they will have an opportunity for some "hands on" experience. We’ll also be giving away many free promotional items including : literature from Vic Firth drum sticks, Sabian cymbals. The approximate length of the event is one hour, but this can be personalized to meet the school’s needs.

The E.S.P. program has been around for the past 8 years and has a total of 12 members throughout North America. Jeff Salem has been with the program from day one and has performed over 200 of these events in over 30 countries around the world, both in schools and music stores (see photos below).

Topics and comments from other Music Directors on the results of their events.

PERCUSSION EVENT OUTLINE

Here is a list of many topics that can be discussed throughout the event. I usually pick specific areas that myself and the music teacher feel will best suit the students. Choose any of the subjects you wish to cover.


TOPICS

Not only the percussionist can benefit from this program. All the music and band students will be able to relate as well as gain a great deal of knowledge, ideas and information to help their music studies.


TEACHERS COMMENTS

"Thorough in technique, demonstration info (performance, business) Jeff is thoroughly delightful in front of our students. He is informative and entertaining in every aspect. Students enjoy asking questions and having the chance to "try out" percussion instruments in various styles"

Lauren McCabe - Bramalea Secondary School

"Jeff is a super musician and a personable educator. He was great with the kids, we all learned lots. We appreciate your support! Thanks!"

Oliver Din, Music Director - Turner Fenton Campus

"Excellent production and presentation. The students really enjoyed themselves. Some, I know will be inspired to play drums after this clinic, myself included. Thanks, Jeff."

Ken Harris, Music Director - North Peel Secondary School


"Excellent! Jeff is not only a superb musician but an excellent educator and clinician. Looking forward to having Jeff Salem back next year."

Charles Di Raimondo, Music Director - Gordon Graydon Senior Public


"Fabulous instructor : Excellent teaching techniques and warm rapport with the students. He shared his passion and love for music"

Anthony Kershaw, Music Director - W.G. Davis Sr. P. School

"Highly motivational, excellent communicator in reaching out to all the students. Jeff is an excellent musician who demonstrated a myriad of reasons for striving for high standards, not in just music but anything you want to do with your life."

Susan Barber, Music Director - The Woodlands School

" This is a motivational talk where Jeff takes you on a rhythmical journey with your participation in drumming"

Jeff also offers a service that allows a group of people to partake in a drum circle event. These events promote unity and team building through percussion. Everyone has fun while learning that individual expression can be used in unison with others to create music. Musical ability is not a prerequisite - but a healthly dose of enthusiam is!!!

Click in the box above for "Drum Circle Information"

The rates for these events are very reasonable. Please contact Jeff Salem at (905) 451-7451 or email him at jsalem@sympatico.ca for more information.