Drum Lessons in Bayville, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music

After several years of experience playing in jazz and conducting local workshops I moved to Milan in search of a more rich and diverse music environment and that's when the Latin Experience came. After playing for 8 years in the local Cuban Community with some of the best names of the genre I became an expert of all x22clavee' x22 rhythms and arrangements.In 2001, looking at broadening the scope of my experience I decided to move to New York, where I currently direct my own band, La Maquina Amarilla,which performs in the best venues in NY. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I use all types of books including Syncopation, Stick Control, New Breed, Advanced Funk Studies. Also I like to use other media where possible to teach different styles. Once the beginning student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce more musical applications related to real music. Preferably music the student is interested to learn to play. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I also provide instruction regarding the actual hardware involved in drumming, drum placement, tuning, and other technicalities, because I have found that students will sometimes blame themselves for the drums (and the sounds they are producing) sounding bad when in reality the drums are simply not tuned or placed optimally. Also, I will often use a bass guitar accompaniment to help the student hear the beat that he or she should be playing along with. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I specifically make a plan for each student based on their need and goals. Unless the student has specific requests, I go over all the fundamental characteristics that a drummer need to have in order to play music, such as technique, time keeping, reading, and so on so forth. No matter what level or age the student is, play and study music has always to be enjoyable and fun. It's really important that the student feels always comfortable and relaxed in order to express himself at the best in every situation. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I think focusing on the basics is very important, but I think it is equally important to engage the student. I always want to know what type of music the student is interested in so they can learn how to play it. Combining basics plus their own interests is something that is very important for me. I also think reading music and teaching out of books is very important. Although it can be a bit annoying to read and do all these exercises. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I have a teaching method that incorporates all the best bits of my best teacher's input, adds what they lacked, built in a sequence that is musically universal, using many popular drum study books and my own proven system of development. And with 30 years of live playing and recording experience, the CONTEXT of what we are learning and how to apply it musically is vital, rewarding, exciting and admittedly unique to my curriculum. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I stress to all my students exactly what a drummer's job is, that he/she needs to compliment the music and play within the framework of the song. The best thing that another musician can say about a drummer is that they have a great "groove" or great "feel". If I can get my students to that point then I'm happy. Read More