DRUM SET & PERCUSSION TEACHERS
TAYLOR ANN KATASE
DRUM SET & PERCUSSION
BIO
Taylor Ann Katase, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, moved to Texas in 2013 to pursue a music degree with a focus in jazz on the drum set at the University of Texas at Arlington. She earned a Bachelor’s (2018) and Master’s (2020) degree in music at UTA. While at UTA, Taylor Ann won multiple scholarships and awards, and was hired as the teaching assistant for the jazz department while she completed her Master’s degree.
Taylor Ann plays professionally in the DFW area (studio work, musicals, private events, music venues, etc.), gives masterclasses, and teaches marching percussion at Legacy High School in Mansfield, Texas. Taylor Ann has been asked to teach and perform as a guest artist and clinician around the world. She is also a proud member of the TRX cymbals Rising Stars roster, and placed 2nd in the international women’s drumming contest "Hit Like A Girl" as a senior in high school in 2013 at 17 years old.
AVAILABLE DAYS:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
In person & virtual lessons
ROBERT WILLIS
DRUM SET & PERCUSSION
BIO
Robert teaches basic/intermediate drum set - Pop, Rock, Contemporary, Praise and Worship, Etc., and rudimentary snare drum.
Robert has been with Mansfield Music Mentors for 4+ years, and has been playing drums and percussion for over 40 years, including 15 years at a local church- engaged in primary contemporary worship music. Robert can also be found “subbing” with local bands when their regular drummer is out. He enjoys getting new students engaged on a journey into percussion, as well as helping more advanced musicians explore new techniques and concepts. A retired professional firefighter, he also enjoys storm chasing, photography, and community service
AVAILABLE DAYS:
Wednesday
In person & virtual lessons
JONATHAN PHELPS
DRUM SET & PERCUSSION
BIO
Jonathan Phelps is an active musician in the DFW area. Jonathan received his Bachelor of Music (Jazz studies, drum set performance) from the University of Texas in Arlington in 2022. During his time at UTA, he performed and recorded with numerous jazz ensembles. Most recently, he performed with UTA's Jazz Orchestra at the 2022 TMEA convention.
Jonathan's specialty is jazz, but is well-versed in a variety of styles and settings, including funk, rock, worship, and pop music. He plays weekly around Dallas and Arlington. Jonathan takes an engaging and flexible approach to teaching, aiming to equip students with practical, relevant skills that help establish and strengthen a lasting personal connection with music.
AVAILABLE DAYS:
Monday & Saturday
In person & virtual lessons
