Johari Gardner

Hello! My name is Johari Gardner, and I'm excited to be your music teacher!

I have been a musician for over a decade, with 15 years of experience playing drums, 8 years on bass, 5 years on guitar and piano, and I've recently started learning saxophone and trombone. I have played drums and percussion in a few professional settings, as well as at many colleges and universities around the world. I am also a university student, studying to get my Master's in Music Performance.

I have performed in professional settings with many notable people, such as David Benoit and Earl Klugh. My specialty is in jazz music, however, I have ample experience in all genres of music. I can read sheet music, and excel in all-things music. I also produce music, and have been making hip-hop, pop, r&b, and afrobeats for 4 years. Below are some notable things I have done.

I have been teaching music theory for 5 years and drums for 4. I will begin to teach music production in the near future, as well. If there's one thing that I've learned from teaching, it's that it is very important for a student and teacher to have a strong bond that allows for a student to feel comfortable asking questions. All students have their own way of learning, and one of my primary teaching methods is repeating and rephrasing, so I can appeal to many different learning styles. Students have many different ways of receiving information, and I want to cater to that.

Some notable things that I have done:

-Asia America Symphony Orchestra, with Grammy award winners David Benoit and Earl Klugh

-Music Production with Grammy award producer Dave Wilder ('I try" by Macy Gray)

-Music Production with Artist 'Apropos' in Detroit, Michigan

-Jazz Band for the President of Long Beach City College, received Letter of Recognition

-Mentoring children in jazz music with Barry Cogart, and Grammy award nominee Albert Alva

I believe in Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement. I strongly believe that all students learn at their own pace, and that the best way to grow is through a patient and kind teacher. Though I will be kind, I will also ensure that you learn the correct manner of drumming and will be equipped with all the tools necessary to be an excellent musician!