Drum Lessons in Cornwall, CT

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 Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching style is, "teaching to enable reaching". Growing up, there was a specific way of learning that got me to understand the lessons being taught to me. I believe in learning the student's methods, before teaching the student what may not work for them. I individualize what needs to be taught, even when teaching in a group atmosphere.    Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

They include Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Edison Machado, Ginger Baker, Bernard Purdie, Billy Cobham, Dr. Steve Gadd, Russell Kunkle, Mike Craney, Lenny White, Ricky Dawson, Paul Wertico, Antonio Sanchez, Alex Acuna, Alphonse Mouzon, Peter Erskine, Tito Puente, Mitch Mitchell, and Dave Weckl. I am professionally endorsed by HingeStix, a practice drumstick developed by Sam Ruttenberg, a professional percussionist, drummer, drum instructor, and drumstick manufacturer. I use the HingeStix practice drumstick to help students learn the proper feel of the loose grip while mastering the bounce and rebound. Read More

Instruments: Drums

As a educator and musician, I bring a lot passion and fun to everything I do. Knowing my students goals and helping them reach their goals are a top priority. As the great Muhammad Ali once said, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it - then I can achieve it.” Those words are something I instill in all my students. I believe in my students and, whether it's music related or not, I encourage them to be they best can be. 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

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Matt has been on the New York City music scene since 1994. He has performed with some of the best in the business, including Grammy winners Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle and Vincent Herring as well as David Williams, Teri Thornton, Gary Versace, Ron McLure, Ben Monder, Percy Jones, Jeremy Pelt and Jerome Richardson, among others. Matt has performed all over New York in such notable venues as The Blue Note, Birdland, Smalls, Smoke, Minton's Playhouse, The Kitano Hotel, and The Knitting Factory. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Fresh Approach. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I also develop individual curriculum based on student's short and long term goals. Read More