Drum Lessons in Cliffwood, NJ

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 Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The electric guitar quickly became a part of my identity, a part of my security, and has remained as a stable force in my life. I've been lucky to have a diverse professional musical career, studying jazz at SUNY New Paltz, nationally touring in a Zydeco Punk band, fronting my own band of originals, singing and playing guitar in rock musicals, and composing soundtracks. All while keeping up my teaching practice. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Music Djembe

My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression. To achieve this, I employ a combination of established techniques and personalized approaches: Using the George L. Stone stick control book as a foundational tool, I promote limb independence and improve technical skills. This classic method helps students develop precise control and coordination, essential for any percussionist. Understanding that each student is unique, I create customized exercises that cater to their individual strengths and areas for improvement. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have also studied the methods of Kodaly who's though process is to develop ones sense of listening and and musicality. I also have studied Orff who strongly uses percussion in his teaching. It also lets the student experiment with the instruments but also how to approach and play instruments. I use anywhere from music that allows the student to learn to control they way the play to the student being able to write, sing and listen to music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Over 29 years experience on Drum Set, more than 25 years Performance experience, and over 12 years Teaching experience including private lessons and ensembles.  Currently performing and recording with Mighty Mystic and The Spit Brothers/Bakir.  Past Performances with and/or recordings with include but are not limited to: The Bomb Squad, Black River Sound, Royal Sound, Ma'ayan Castel, The Solstice Jazz Trio, King Illabash, The New Souls, Redshift, Uncle Sammy, Danger Deluxxe, Mix One Studios, Sanctum Sound Studios. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All I want is to know that my students are enjoying music more deeply, and that they gain the self-sufficiency to learn between lessons. I make sure to point out milestones that a student has achieved to encourage that innate human drive for improvement, and always keep looking for what is exciting and inspiring for the student at a given time. I make sure each student I work with knows what elements to include in their practice, how to learn a piece of music from scratch, and how to break things down into manageable, learnable chunks. Read More