Firefly Music Studio

Specialties

I use a four-​part teaching system which includes the following…

1. Technique

Grip — I discuss the differences between French, German and American grips and the pros and cons of traditional vs matched grip. And I always stress the importance of a light, firm grip, so as to avoid tightening of the hands and forearms. Posture and ergonomic placement of the components of the drumkit are also discussed.

2. Sight Reading

Knowledge of rudiments, note values, symbols, tempo, dynamics. The two books I mainly use are Stick Control by George Stone and Basic Drumming by Joel Rothman, the latter being the most comprehensive.

3. Playing Songs

This is the fun part. I encourage my students to pick some of their favorite songs and play along. If the student becomes proficient enough at a certain song that isn’t too challenging on guitar, I can play along with my limited electric guitar skills.

4. Recorded Progress Record

I record a portion of the student’s drum set performance with Pro Tools and email it as an mp3. This provides an immediate, accurate record of the student’s progress.

Practice

I encourage my students to practice to a metronome. This is very important! It helps you develop an «internal clock» that will help keep you and your band from speeding up or slowing down. Many drummers in popular bands cannot play to a metronome and therefore get replaced in the recording studio by someone who can! Very sad. I try to teach my students to play in a «musical» context.

History

Established in 2011.

With over 30 years of live and recording experience, Marcos de la Cruz has plenty to offer in the way of drum lessons from a uniquely musical perspective. As a founding member of Orange County acts The Tickets and Tijuana Dogs, Marcos has played thousands of shows from and covered styles ranging from Rock (Classic, Punk, Alternative, Blues, Rockabilly), to Country, Funk, Reggae, Pop and Swing. Marcos’ career has taken him from England to New York, Kuwait, Iraq, The Caribbean and California.

Meet the Business Owner

Marcos D.

Business Owner

Marcos de la Cruz is a veteran freelance drummer of the Orange County, California music scene. He has lent his talents to a variety of situations, both live and recording, covering styles ranging from rock to funk, country, soul, blues, reggae, and swing.

Marcos has played and/​or recorded with…

Wayne McCartney (Jewel)

Jesse Stern (Jordin Sparks)

Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys)

Derek Anderson (Bangles)

Mike Nocito (Pink Floyd, The Police, Duran Duran)

Vince de la Cruz (Katrina and the Waves)

Two time Grammy Award-​winning drummer, Andy Mendoza

Brendan Harkins (Fenians)

Bob Boulding (Young Dubliners)

The Tickets

Tijuana Dogs

Jackson Leverone

James Patrick

Danny Walker (Wank, Handsome Devil)

Renee Brooks

Stefano Capobianco

Walter Clevenger

Deanie Wood

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Marcos D. says,

«Good selection, good prices.»