Drum Lessons in Cedar Grove, NJ

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

Born in Bogot, Colombia, I started playing piano at an early age, but soon after I discovered my true passion for percussion instruments. After completing my studies at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogot, I won a scholarship to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I graduated from Berklee with a dual degree, cum laude, in Contemporary Composition Production as well as Jazz Drumset Performance. Since coming to the Unites States, I have performed in major venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; and the Detroit Jazz Festival, among others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I think the most important part of teaching is developing a positive mentoring relationship to the student. My favorite teachers always went above and beyond to not only educate me on their favorite subject, but also to show me life lessons along the way and listen to my problems. Ultimately I know that not every one of my students will become a professional musician, and that is okay! I do want them to develop a positive relationship with rhythm and music, and an ability to enjoy these things in anything they listen to. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

In addition to drum set, I also teach djembe (West African), bodhran (Celtic), doumbek (Middle Eastern) and conga (Afro-Cuban). My favorite thing about teaching is watching students develop into creative musicians and finding their own voice. My playing and teaching has always been based in tradition, but not bound by it. I have found that keeping a relaxed, fun atmosphere during lessons allows students to learn at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For 13 years I have developed unique ways of teaching and learning the art of drum set playing. No matter what you specifically want to learn (song, style, fill, solo) I will not only teach you how to do it but how to expand on it and make it your own. I've taught privately for 12 years and taught through the School Of Rock for 5 years, both in individual and ensemble settings. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I use many different methods but most importantly I tailor the lesson to fit the student's needs. I like to write out lessons, but I generally start my students off using Benny Greb's "The Language of Drumming." I like to teach the student how to play the instrument as if it were a language, in the form of an alphabet. It's a great method in building a strong foundation with the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I started teaching private lessons back in the day when I was living in my country, the Dominican Republic. I had students of different ages and with different interests. Also, before I moved to the United States, I taught for almost a year in a private music school in my country. In that school, I had the opportunity to teach Drums to very young kids, and for me it was a great and fun experience to teach those kids back in those days. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I would describe my teaching style as firm, even strict at times, but never mean or dry. Enjoyment, weather that be in the form of accomplishment, fulfillment, or just plain fun, is the key for success! Although I do think every student needs to know about certain aspects of playing and listening, every student is going to have different ideas of where they want to go with drums and music. Read More