Danai Palaka's Profile

Background:

I have been born in musical family and have been learning music since a very young age. I have been a drum tutor since 2015, and also have taught piano and music theory since 2011, both private and in music schools. I have great experience with kids, teenagers, and adults (1-to-1 and groups) having worked with over 120 students. Through my work, I aim to help my students develop their drum-kit technique and music appreciation. My methods combine fun and discipline while motivating the student for drum-kit, music, and self-exploration is a must. In order to boost my teaching, I use several drum method books along with individualized exercises and play-alongs tracks. The repertoire is chosen according to the student’s needs and musical preferences, and I encourage my students to showcase their developing skills through the performance of pre-existing compositions. During the lesson, I aspire to play along with my students by using either drum-kit, keys, or other small percussion instruments. Concurrently, for the last 10 years, I’ve been performing as a session drummer with artists such as : “Dervisis” (electronic pop), “Post Lovers” (indie rock), “Microondas” (blues psychedelic rock), to venues and festivals in EU, UK, and Turkey, such as ESNS (NL), Fengaros Festival (CY), Rye Wax (UK), Bonnefoi (BE), Glimps Festival (BE). Additionally, I have participated in jazz/funk/soul combos and pop cover bands. I have composed drum-kit based music for film and theatre. Currently, I'm having a Masters on Percussion Performance at Istanbul Technical University - Centre of Advanced Music Studies.