Learn from Great Xylophone Teachers

Hi, I’m Derrick Raiter, a professional percussionist with over 30 years of experience. I help drummers and percussionists of all levels build strong technique, confidence, groove, and musical expression through personalized, engaging lessons. My teaching is shaped by a national performance career and seven years of private study with renowned drummer Anika Nilles.

"T.R. is fantastic! A true gem for our area." ~Steve Gustafson (10,000 Maniacs) "T.R. McKotch is a rare kind of musician who can both play and teach very well. His ability to connect to beginner drummers, both by teaching and empowering them are traits that will help his students long after they leave his experiences. T.R.

I approach music with a holistic mindset: with work ethic and discipline, yet also empathy and passion from the student's perspective. I see music as a tool to enhance the expression that already exists within the individual, while pinpointing necessary skills that still need to be developed.

Overall Teacher of the Year on Lessonface! Alison holds a Masters in Music Ed. Fun, experienced & patient teacher. Alison has taught over 20,000 lessons in various instruments and voice to over 550 students in private lessons and small groups, in person and online. Her students range from age 3 through adults. Alison is the co-owner of Strand Studios in NJ.

Recognized as one of the most outstanding percussionists of her generation, Michelle has collaborated regularly with the Orchestra of the Teatro de Bellas Artes since 2017, performing in numerous opera and ballet productions under the baton of some of the most renowned conductors in the field.

Hi, I'm Kevin, a passionate drummer with a Master's in Jazz Studies and years of professional experience. As a dedicated percussionist, I bring a dynamic approach to drumming, blending jazz, rock, and fusion styles to create a unique learning experience.

Columbus born and raised, teaching music to students of any age for over 25 years. Started teaching after my high school band teacher put me in charge of the drum section of our school band. This helped form my love for directing and helping others learn new ways of playing these instruments. I haven't stopped since!

Hello! I'm Kevin and it's nice to meet you. Before I dive into myself, my one goal in teaching is to give you a happy and healthy relationship with music. That's it! If you walk away from our lessons, be it one or for years, I want you to always have a relationship with music that makes you smile. When you go see a movie, you appreciate the score.

I am a passionate music teacher, performer, and songwriter with a deep belief in music as a path to self-expression, connection, and transformation. With years of experience across multiple genres — from rock and blues to world music and singer-songwriter traditions — I guide students not just in technique, but in finding their unique voice and musical identity.

I am a classically trained percussionist with a Master of Music from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University. My performance background includes regular appearances with the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Sinfonietta Orchestra.