Dorothy V. music, Percussion, Drums Philadelphia, PA

Percussionist since the age of 10 and teacher for the last 3 years, Dorothy is a versatile musician in many areas including: orchestral music (her favorite), jazz, Latin, chamber, and solos. Her mentors are Alan Abel and Angela Zator-Nelson of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Before receiving her Masters Degree in Percussion Performance from Temple University under the Philadelphia professors, Dorothy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Arkansas under Prof. Chalon Ragsdale. She has participated in master-classes and studied privately with some of the greatest percussion artists of today including: Tim Adams, Michael Burritt, Leigh Howard Stevens, Gordon Stout, John Tafoya, and She-e Wu.

She has served as Prinicipal Percussionist for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas on their latest European Tour, as well as Section Percussionist for the National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland. Dorothy dreams of one day playing in a full-time orchestra, and is setting out on the professional audition circuit.

Dorothy lives in Philadelphia with her husband Fernando, also a teacher and percussionist. Together they enjoy cooking, listening to music, learning, and actively pursuing their art together.

    My lessons are custom tailored to the proficiency level, goals, and learning style of each student. The only requirements for students are a curiosity to learn more, and the ability to have fun!! Musicianship is about enjoying making music for its own sake, and my classes are directed with this in mind. 

    Beginning students will be working from the book by Mark Wessels called The Fresh Approach to Snare Drum, where they will gain a firm foundation for thinking rhythmically, developing listening skills and music appreciation, and building the basic techniques.

    Intermediate to Advanced students will find an open studio enviroment where they will be free to explore their own musical ideas, help build up playing chops, and learn new ways of expanding themselves musically. I can help these students prepare for Regional Band, Orchestra, or college admissions auditions.

Orchestral, beginning pedagogy, snare drum

music, Percussion, Drums