Drum Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

It's all about the student's interests. I first gauge what styles they are interested in performing, and then implement the proper methods of teaching those styles. Depending on their ability level, I will simultaneously implement necessary techniques while generating the repertoire so that when it comes time for a recital, they will be ready. Lessons will generally begin with warmups, followed by choosing pieces to perform or developing pieces that have already been chosen. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I do believe in the fundamentals of music and ultimately, no matter what you hear, learning music is not re-inventing the wheel. There is technique, reading music and understanding the basics of how the particular instrument works. I like the Essential Elements for Guitar or bass for guitarists and bassists and Alfred's Piano method books. Ted Reed's Guide to Syncopation is a good drum book. Ultimately I like to get the know the student as much as I can as soon as I can so I can help them get to what they want as soon as possible with a few laughs along the way. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is all about the growth of the student and doing what I can to spur their progress. Being new to private instruction, I am eager to discover what teaching methods work most effectively for each student I interact with, and even strengthen my own guitar skills in the process. In teaching, I aim to help make music feel like fun as opposed to a chore or obligation and pass on what I have found most effective and helpful in my journey thus far. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students, the typical groundwork begins with a straight ahead, simple rock groove to begin a sense of understanding around coordination as well as fundamental understanding of rhythm behind the kit. From there, any natural ability will begin to shine, and it's through those natural strengths that everything else will be based on. Lessons topics can then range from technique, groove/feel, listening to music and musicians, various exercises, learning different genres, etc- all built around the students individual interests! Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

Like stated above, I strive to make my lessons fun and engaging above all else. Of course we need to also learn in the lesson, but I typically gage lesson plans around a student's areas of interest. Some people really enjoy learning from books and exercises, while others are more engaged learning songs and music that they listen to. Whatever your preferences are, we can tailor our lessons around them and find new ways to get you practicing and learning new material. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For beginning students I begin by talking to them about music and what songs they like. We start clapping along and picking out what the drums are doing and eventually begin playing along. A wonderfully laid out book for beginners that are interested in pop music is "The Funky Primer." I also like to teach the reading of rhythms out of a book by Ted Reed called "Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This is a great book that you can work out of for many many years to come. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Music Djembe

In addition to my work with individual students, I have also made significant contributions to higher education. As an adjunct instructor at New York University, I took on the responsibility of drafting a comprehensive curriculum for my courses. This role not only honed my skills in curriculum development but also deepened my understanding of academic standards and the importance of a well-rounded music education. My curriculum design focused on integrating practical musicianship with theoretical knowledge, ensuring that students receive a balanced and enriching educational experience. Read More