Drum Lessons in Bohemia, NY

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Originally from Dallas, TX, I have nearly 20 years of music education experience at the elementary, secondary, and adult/college levels. After graduating from The University of North Texas, I spent several years as a band director in DFW before moving abroad to teach and perform. Recently, after spending 7 years as a professional musician in New York City, I realized how much I missed teaching in Texas! So it's time to return to my home and do for students what my music teachers did for me many years ago. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. 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

Instruments: Drums

We start by doing proper warm up exercises followed by learning or practicing rudiments. We work on our grip of the sticks and our movements while drumming. In other words, I teach economy of movement for maximum energy. If a student is flailing their arms, we talk about a more fluid movement by utilizing the wrists and incorporating finger control. Then we move on to reading out of instructional books which is then followed by practical application on the drum sets.With a beginner student I find Basix Syncopation for Drums by Alfred Publishing to be a very effective tool. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Djembe

For kids or beginners we will start with the 10 most important rudiments, focusing on a good posture and technique. Learning songs is also a huge part of my teaching since I discovered I'm not only teaching them to play the music but also to embrace the fact we are working on art and we have to be passionate, once the student is passionated by the instrument my job as teacher is almost done. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As a professional touring and recording artist, I am happy to share my knowledge of playing in multiple musical settings, and the "business" of playing music. My passion is for live performance, and it is essential to help students feel confident while playing for an audience. Our focus will be on developing proper technique, listening carefully and critically to recordings, and building a foundational music vocabulary via reading and writing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I continued to teach music at that same sleep away camp for years -- eventually becoming the Head of the Music Department ( Rock Shop) there - coaching bands, leading improv classes, and developing the program. I later enjoyed several years teaching as an adjunct professor in the music department at my alma mater. I have always had a steady practice of private students ranging in ages and experience. Whatever the material be, I focus on finding the student's true musical voice, allowing them to take ownership over their instrument, allowing any intimidation to fade, and therefore, finding the natural joy in playing music. Read More