John Valdez Jr. - Drums
John Valadez Jr, is a dedicated performing musician and drum educator that shows his passion for teaching by helping students build confidence, creative ideas, and building strong foundational techniques.
With over 25 years of experience, John has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. Anywhere from beginners learning their first drum beat, to advanced students looking to refine their performance for auditions, recordings and live settings.
John has also performed across a wide range of genres including rock, funk, pop, R&B, country, and contemporary music. This stylistic contrast shapes a teaching approach that is both adaptive and inspiring, with emphasis on reading skills, dynamic control, solid timekeeping and musical expression.
Lessons with John will focus on building real-world drumming abilities while developing technique with structured assignments. Students will also learn to play along with their favorite songs that will aid in exploring improvisational opportunities and creativity behind their drum set. In class, we will incorporate play-along tracks, notation software from YouTube videos, and recording techniques to further a student's progress as they stay motivated.
Above all, John aims to make each lesson supportive, enjoyable and musically meaningful. Whether a student’s goal is to join a band, improve coordination, or simply discover the joy of drumming, We are committed to leading them every step of the way!
Mr. John teaches at our Bellaire studio on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Why Choose AMA?
At the American Music Academy, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of making music. Our goal is to provide an environment of education that is welcoming to all ages. Coming from generations of musicians, founders Wyatt and Laura Coleman have hand selected a team of professional and passionate musicians to bring quality music education to Houstonians. Our faculty has instrument-specific degrees from acclaimed universities all around the country. Our teachers tailor their music lessons to each student based on their individual goals. We offer the most comprehensive lessons in Houston, which include theory, ear training, sight reading technique, performance skills, and repertoire. Our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities located in Meyerland include a comfortable lounge with free Wi-Fi, water, magazines, and toys for children to play with as they wait for their lesson to begin. Spacious studio rooms are equipped with quality upright pianos, music stands, and mirrors to monitor progress. The American Music Academy takes pride in supplying our students with the best upright pianos to practice their modern or classical repertoire. Students will be able to use the full capabilities of a piano including dynamics, pedaling, musical phrasing, and dramatic interpretation. Students will be able to participate in seasonal recitals at one of Houston’s many venues. Recitals, included in their tuition, display each student’s personal achievements in their instrument. Our students have the option to perform piano, guitar, violin, viola, voice/singing, cello, and drums!