Drum Lessons in Clarksboro, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Drums

My methods are in service of the cultivation of interest. Mainly I want the student to focus on learning how to play the music they want to play. The key to cultivating interest is to nurture the social, communicative and fun elements of playing music; associating the laughter and exhilaration with learning. I'm a self taught musician - I know that music is intuitive enough to learn without getting overly text-book about it, and I think focusing too much on the book at an early age can turn away potential musicians. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I have learned that every student cannot be taught the same way, so I tailor my instruction to the individual student. I encourage my students to set personal goals of achievement at their own pace. I want my students to know that our lessons are reciprocal.In my experiences I have come to love that in music, there is always more to learn. There is essentially more music than we would ever listen to in our lifetime. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I prefer a multifaceted approach with the goal of encouraging simultaneous development of the core areas of drumming (ex. reading, coordination development, fundamentals, etc). While also striving to provide the student with inspiration, enjoyment, creativity and intellectual musical growth. A general lesson framework would be similar to the following: Fundamentals/warm ups, Technique, Repertoire Development, Drum Set Chart Reading, Basic Notation Reading, Trading 4s, 8s and More, Ear Training, Discussion Preferred Beginner Texts: The Drum Set Musician- by Rod Morgenstein/Rick Mattingly The Drummers Cookbook- by John Pickering/Frank Briggs Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1- by Sandy Feldstein/Dave Black Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Latin Percussion Keyboard

I have used all of the store brand version of piano books, and find a preference in the ones I was taught in from the 70's which are too many to mention; but depending on the student, I will find a book that is age appropriate and go on from there. I also do different ear training activities using apps on my phone. I start with nursery rhyme type music for children because that is what is ingrained in their mental ear. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have found the last few years very rewarding as students become musicians. Since my first student I taught in 2004, through the days I taught at a music school, up right on to the present moment, I love passing the music onward as it was passed to me. Being a multi generational musician, it's important to me to teach this great artform and pass it down through generations. I also like to let my students know that "music lasts a lifetime." Because, if my students practice the material five days a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes, their skills as well as confidence will grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I've discovered over the years that every student is different and require a custom approach tailored to what method works best for them. Some students do very well working through publications of lesson books, while others seem to do better with a less structured approach driven more by listening and muscle memory. In both methods, I find it important to lead by example, not only to be able to show them correctly, but also to inspire them. Read More

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