Greg Mills

Greg started playing drums at the age of 11 and spent his teens performing competitively in Drum Corps International in the US. Upon entering university, music took a back seat to a more “traditional” career and family life. However, music was never far away. There was always a pair of drumsticks somewhere in the house, and there were the odd brushes with symphonies, brass bands, DJ sets, and a few years spent managing a jazz club. A few years ago, Greg stumbled across the local community samba group, promptly joined – and has since seen drumming increasingly return as his main focus. Currently, Greg is music co-director of the Nelson samba group, performs with various local bands, and teaches full time from home and at a local primary school.

Greg teaches students from the age of 7 on up. Kit drumming is taught through intermediate level and advanced for rudimental work. Optional studies possible in Latin percussion, and drum sequencing/programming. While the focus of drumming is on having fun, individual learning styles are given consideration and Greg believes that reading notation is essential. Achievable goals are set by the students who are encouraged to select favourite songs to work on and play along with. Special attention is paid to developing the hands, through stick control techniques and speed work. Exercises will work on building muscle memory, and limb independence for kit drumming.