One Rhythm Stuck – and it Changed Everything
July 5, 2025
Recently, I met a new class of drummers at one of the places I teach. Like many groups I’ve worked with, this one included a wide range of personalities, behaviors, and learning preferences. Some students jumped in eagerly, while others observed quietly. One student in particular stood out during our first session—not because they were the most advanced player, but because they struggled to stay seated, frequently interrupted activities with questions, and couldn’t seem to begin with the group when prompted.
At first glance, it might have seemed like they weren’t getting much from the lesson. But at the beginning of our second class, something surprising happened. While the rest of the class was settling in, I noticed this same student casually noodling with a rhythm we had learned the week before. It wasn’t perfect, but it was clearly recognizable. Something had stuck.
That moment sparked an idea. I decided to build an entire group activity around that rhythm. We’d all play it together three times, then take turns improvising solos while the group kept the beat. We called it The Universal Break. As we went around the circle, I watched the students begin to connect—with the rhythm, with themselves, and with each other.
One student threw themselves into the activity with full physical engagement, clearly enjoying the motion and freedom the framework allowed. Another seemed uncertain about how to improvise, needing a bit more structure to get started. A third struggled to maintain the tempo during their solo, needing encouragement to stay in sync with the group. Each of these moments offered a glimpse into where each student was in their musical journey.
Rather than pausing the activity to correct or explain, I looked for ways to guide in the moment. When my own turn came to solo, I used it as a teaching tool—introducing new rhythms through call and response, modeling dynamic shifts, and offering ideas that helped expand each student’s concept of what a solo could be. By doing so, I was able to shape the learning experience without breaking the flow.
What unfolded was more than just an exercise—it became a moment of connection. Everyone in the room was involved: listening, moving, reacting, and supporting each other. We created a space that allowed for risk-taking, discovery, and joy. I didn’t check my watch until much later, and when I did, I was stunned to see that 35 minutes had passed in what felt like an instant.
Ultimately, teaching music is rarely about perfect execution. It’s about engagement, creativity, and connection. A student who seems distracted may still be deeply absorbing the material. A single rhythm can spark an entire lesson plan almost instantaneously. When students are given space to explore and contribute, the classroom becomes a new living, breathing thing. That is what keeps me coming back, ready to listen, ready to teach, and ready to help the next group of musicians grow.
Summer 2025
June 25, 2025
Start Your Musical Journey with Individual Lessons and Digital Tools
Looking to learn drumset, orchestral percussion, or piano? Study with me and get personalized, one-on-one instruction—still the most effective way to learn music after thousands of years. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your skills, I offer individualized lessons tailored to your goals. Choose from three options: a one-time consultation, a 30-minute session, or a full 60-minute session. Every student gets a custom approach, because your path to musical growth should be as unique as you are. Learn more and book today at: https://timothy-van-cleave.square.site
Of course, not everyone is ready to dive into private lessons right away—and that’s okay. Maybe you’re exploring your interest in drumming, or you’re looking for something flexible to help you get started. That’s why I also offer a growing library of digital resources created especially for beginning drummers. These self-paced tools are available at https://tvcmusiclessons.gumroad.com and are designed to be simple, effective, and fun to use. They’re perfect for students who want to build a solid foundation, develop good habits, and find inspiration between lessons—or even before booking their first one.
Whether you’re the kind of learner who thrives in one-on-one sessions or someone who prefers a more independent, on-demand approach, I’ve got something to support your journey. And if you’re just starting with the digital products, consider signing up for the mailing list so you can be the first to know when new lessons, play-alongs, or practice guides become available.
Your musical path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Let’s find what works for you—and build something great together
Without Words EP June 24, 2022
June 21, 2022
This album has been in the making since late 2020! While the world outside became full of pandemic news and politics, I stayed in and worked to learn more about analog and digital synthesizers. As I worked in the later evenings of the early pandemic, I started see a combination of synth sounds and acoustic instruments as a goal.
As the project progressed I submitted a grant proposal at the Regional Arts & Culture Council in Portland, Oregon, USA. With this support I was able to work with Clara Baker at The Rye Room. Clara shared her voice and guitar magic on 12.26.2020! The team also include the wonderful contributions of Tara Velarde on 04.02.2021. Matt Greco of The Rye Room did a wonderful job mastering each track!
This album is all about the things that take your breath away. The beautiful, the amazing, horrible, sad, happy, things that are a part of the being a human on this planet. Many folks like me often choose other forms of expressions when words just can’t get the point across.
You can support this project by visiting: https://drtimothyvancleave.bandcamp.com/releases
On June 24, 2022 this record will be available on all streaming platforms and places you can purchase music digitally. I generally buy music from Bandcamp because it is a platform that supports artists in a sustainable way and finds ways to support others beyond the artist community.
That’s all I’ve got for now! See y’all soon,
-TVC
Fall 2020
August 24, 2020
Hey Everyone,
Spring and Summer of 2020 have been an opportunity to learn more about this thing called life…it’s power, magic, flow, cycles, pandemics, recessions…
Through it all music continues to be shared, created, played, loved, and enjoyed!
Teaching online has been an amazing experience. It’s been a positive experience seeing students learn on this platform and how inspired they can become. Connection can come in many forms and this moment has given me valuable experience in video communications, videos & music that students enjoy, and being a better human.
If you are interested in working with me online please reach out in your preferred method if you have my contact information or if we have yet to be acquainted visit the Lessons page to send me a message.
After having a creative and experimental moment with a midi-controller and an old version of Reason, I released “the meaning of vingette” a short collection of music created during the early days of the COVID – 19 pandemic. Picking up a digital album is one of the best ways to support musicians!
It’s available at: https://drtimothyvancleave.bandcamp.com/releases
Looking forward to more life,
-TVC
Charles Jordan Community Center: Active Aging Community Fair
September 19, 2017
I’ll be playing solo vibraphone on September 26, 2017 from 10:30AM – 11:30AM at the 1st Annual Charles Jordan Community Center Active Aging Community Fair.
For more information: Active Aging Community Fair flyer 2017
-TVC
Facebook reminded me of this project
April 6, 2017
Today’s blog post and picture was inspired by an old Facebook post! This picture is of a robot that plays music. Since I’ve been reading “Alone Together” by Sherry Turkle, the way we interact with robots and technology has been on my mind. I greatly enjoyed participating in the Meta Creation Project with Fringe percussion, but I can’t stop thinking about how anxious and sad kids get when their parent take away the screen.
Here’s a link to an article about the project: Check it out
Teaching Philosophy
March 24, 2017
I’ve been working on my statement of teaching philosophy. You can read it here or as a PDF: Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Being a music teacher is humbling and transformational work and has helped me to understand the importance of addressing a student’s social and emotional needs. It further solidified my belief that music has a special role in society and that music education changes lives.
I am passionate about sharing music with students and helping to contribute to the newest generation of musicians. My variety of teaching experiences have led me to be a teacher that values balancing high standards with empathy and recognition of every student’s unique needs.
It is essential to first build a lasting trust with the student so that they will be willing to take risks, ask questions, and feel comfortable in the learning environment. Once trust is established, it is essential that the student take responsibility for their own learning. Students should arrive to class or lessons prepared to the best of their ability, be punctual, and arrive with the necessary instruments and equipment.
I believe in working with each student to find the best path for them and acknowledge that different students will require different educational approaches. I pride myself in holding my students to high standards while still being an empathic and informational teacher. I think it is important to know what a student’s goals and motivations are so that I can tailor my teaching to their needs.
While the act of performing is an eventual outcome of music study it is merely a part of the learning and earning process. Learning the art of consistent and thoughtful practice, time management, and overcoming adversity are often more important during the early years of study because this establishes a pattern of behavior that will ultimately lead to successful artistic endeavors. I am open to a variety of approaches, both technically and musically as long as they are in the best interest of the student.
My greatest goal is to display the same characteristics and qualities present in my teachers. A desire to see students succeed, give honest and open instruction, provided constructive feedback, and to be approachable are the greatest qualities experienced.
Visit JPJQjazz.com
March 23, 2017
Hi everyone! Have quick visit to www.jpjqjazz.com to see what’s next!
Also if you are looking for sythns check this out!
Heading into Spring
March 3, 2017
It seems as though snow may not be in the forecast for the next little while leading me to believe spring weather is close. As I walked from the MAX station to work the other day I could smell the rain and the soil, which seemed to be clear indication that spring is on its way, right?
Spring is often a good time to clean up or start up something new. This year is no exception!
A couple years ago I composed for and performed with the trio Wonder Pond as part of my goal to spread vibraphone awareness. I’m bringing it back with a new series of compositions I’ve entitled Wonder Pond 2.0 with the hopes of collaborating with other visual and other artists.
For a quick teaser visit: https://timothyvancleave.com/wonder-pond-2-0/
See y’all soon!
-TVC
PDX: Year 2
September 25, 2016
It’s been a little over a year since settling in Portland, Oregon. I’ve made some great connections with Ethos Music, Reverb Lessons, Between the Lines, Rugby, and JPJQ. I’ve had some awesome opportunities to teach and perform too! Travelling has also been pretty amazing with visits to Vancouver, Kamloops, Seattle, and the Bay Area of California.
After years of enjoyjng YVR this summer presented opportunities to visit Grants Pass and Newport, OR. Last weekend Meghan and I hiked Saddle Moutain, which rivals only the best hikes. The view from the top is beautiful. You can see 4 mountain peaks and a river.
In year two I am looking forward to building new connections and getting the chance to visit new and old places along the west coast.
-TVC
Timothy Van Cleave 