Drum Lessons in Canarsie, NY

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I can still remember the joy I felt when I first started playing drums and my passion is helping people experience that joy. In my musical career, spanning 38 years, I have performed with varied groups including: drumset with The Road Runners Blues Band, Catfish and Paul Plumeri Blues Band; West African, Middle Eastern and Afro-Cuban percussion with Groove Merchant Drum Dance Ensemble; bodhran and bones with traditional Celtic bands Kintail, Cwn Annwn and Browne Jenkyn; and snare drum with The First Highland Watch of Pennsylvania and Rev War Re-enactors First NJ Volunteers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Drums Banjo Mandolin Fiddle Orchestral Percussion Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style involves tailoring my lessons to each student's specific needs with an emphasis on ear-training and proper instrument technique. I like to get going on music that moves the student as quickly as possible, so we will use music that is of high interest to the student to develop the ear, learn a bit of theory, and put in the work that will allow the student to really unlock their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I feel that organization is key to success in lessons, and I keep clear records of all lessons and exercises that each of my students have worked on with me. However I do like to keep things low key and fun! Music, and drums in particular, take a lot of focus and repetition to improve, and I always stress the importance of practicing at home outside of the lessons. It's always my hope that I can give my students the information and the drive to continue to find the way to their sound even if they no longer are studying with me. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I do not limit my students to a predetermined method. I find, through my own experiences, that this is tedious as well as boring. There are many books I use, including Ted Reed's syncopation for all levels of students, but I focus most of my time with a student to finding out what inspires them to want to learn the drums, and go from there. With every student I start with the basics of technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach all of my students how to read music as well as play by ear. I think both things are important. I focus on both technique and playing musically. Dynamics are something that many drummers ignore. To truly be a good drummer you must listen to the other instruments around you. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

The first teaching concept I focus on is the capacity to produce great sounds with the least amount of effort. Therefore I spend some time in getting the student to play very relaxed to create a relationship with body and mind, I believe music is an extension of the body and so if the mind and body are relaxed then music will come out flawless. We will use students ideas of songs they are interested in learning as well as some of my own suggestions for repertoire. Read More