Drum Lessons in Canaan, CT

Instruments: Drums

Matt was gentle, patient, knew when and how to challenge her and above all made learning fun.  Matt continued to teach my daughter into her teenage years and when it was time to choose a high school Matt prepared her for her audition at LaGuardia High School. Her acceptance into this fine performing arts school is something I attribute to Matt.  I truly feel that he would be a great asset to whatever organization that is lucky enough to have him.” -Nelia W. "My daughter has been studying with Matt for several years and really enjoys it. Read More

Instruments: Drums

We start with the basics like how to hold the drum sticks, how to read music, and how to start playing some simple basic beats. Then things become more tailored to the specific drumming needs. For example, if you are trying to learn the drums for a jazz ensemble, we can practice jazz songs together. On the other hand, if you are in a punk band we could start learning some covers and then I can teach you to write your own punk songs! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The way I learned is the way I teach. I was taught the same way multiple ways and because of this I can give students different avenues to learn the same thing. So if they don't understand it in A, or B, I still have C, and D as a back up. I try to include the student to help navigate their own lesson plan and figure out what they want to focus on. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I run through a personalized lesson plan that caters to the students learning abilities and their pace of learning. I strongly believe in the use of a metronome and the versatility of percussion rudiments so I usually have most beginning students start there. As they progress through their concept of time and technique has improved I will then suggest to parents (if the student is interested) that their child moves on to the drum set where I bring them through the Time Functioning book by Gary Chaffee. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been teaching drums for sixteen years along with over twenty years of professional performance experience.  Practice is the emphasis as modern, contemporary and past lessons will be applied to students practice regime.  Although the focus of learning music will be very serious we will also have lots of fun staying motivated and eager to learn. I am now offering online lessons also. This will entail lessons, NYSMMA and recitals. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

I have been teaching since 1977. I have studied with the late, great Tony Williams and Alan Dawson, Fred Buda, Ed Soph and composition with Steve Grover. I have taught private lessons, small group ensembles, elemntary music theory, orchestral percussion and voice coaching. I have taught in public schools, private prep schools and college. I have performed in the United States and Germany and the Netherlands. I have recorded with Tiger Akoshi, David Mallett and The Novel Jazz Septet. Read More

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

I teach in a firm, thorough style, and prefer to emphasize the importance of basic body position and movements through both technical exercises and the repertoire of piano pieces. Reading music is another ability I believe is essential and I always teach this skill to students of any age. Read More