Chris Parker, Drum Teacher
804-301-8032
cparker44@verizon.net
Teaching drums in Richmond's West End for over twenty years.
Now teaching online!
Meet the Teacher:
Chris Parker cannot remember a time without music in his life. He grew up in Winchester, VA, the home of Shenandoah University--where his father was the school's president. His father sang and played piano, and his mother was an excellent pianist who played every day. Naturally, his parents immersed him in all of the music and arts the college's music conservatory had to offer.
In second grade, Chris started piano lessons. In fourth grade, he added drum lessons, studying with Shenandoah's percussion instructor, Dr. Gene Bates. Chris says, "I vividly remember practicing my piano lessons for a half hour before school each morning, then practicing my drums for another half hour each afternoon." It didn't take long for the drums to become Chris's favorite instrument, and he moved on to study percussion as a student at Shenandoah.
Shortly after college graduation, Chris moved to Richmond and became active in the music community. He played in many bands, one of which made him do the unthinkable: Quit his day job and go on the road! Many miles later, he returned to the local scene. He started a small jazz trio where he played the vibes, and he played steel drum in a calypso band. For many years, he was the house drummer for shows at Swift Creek Mill Theatre.
Chris is now the drummer and percussionist for singer-songwriter Susan Greenbaum, his wife. He also drums at West End Assembly of God church services and plays tympani and other percussion at special holiday services.
Chris started teaching full-time at Don Warner Music in Richmond in 1999. In 2000, the store closed, and he became one of the first teachers at the West End Assembly of God church’s new Music Academy.
Some instruction books I use with my students:
Groove Essentials Tommy Igoe
A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer Charles Dowd
Studio/Jazz Drum Cookbook
John Pickering
Mel Bay's Complete Modern Drumset Frank Briggs
Progressive Steps to Syncopation
Ted Reed
Stick Control George L. Stone
Drum Method for Band and Orchestra Book 1 & 2 Haskell Harr
Savage Rudimental Workshop
Matt Savage
Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum Garwood Whaley
Portraits in Rhythm Anthony Cirone
Chris and his wife, Susan Greenbaum, have been performing music together for over twenty years! They play as a duo, with Chris on cajon, conga, and other hand percussion instruments, and they also play as a five piece band with Chris on the drum set. They enjoy performing at venues large and small, but find unique joy in playing at the Virginia Home and the Children’s Hospital.
Please look for a performance schedule on Susan’s Facebook page or at SusanGreenbaum.com.
I love to teach! Teaching and playing drums have been my full-time jobs for over twenty years. I take great pride in my ability to clearly communicate the fundamentals of music and drumming, assessing students' needs, and setting them on the right course to become the drummers they want to be.
