Drum Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students I start with an Alfred's beginning drum method to help with reading. We also start on the basic understanding of musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics and so on.  While reading is important I do also include learning by wrote or by ear.  A good ear is just as important as good reading skills for the complete musician.  I always include music that the student is interested in to keep the lessons fun and engaging! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

2011-2012: Teaching Assistant, San Jose State University 2010-present: Piano, percussion, and voice teacher with Musika 2010: Substitute accompanist at Willow Glen United Methodist Church 2008-2009: Accompanist for James Lick High School 2007-present: Organist/Pianist for Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church 2006-7: Accompanist for Scotts Valley Unified School District 2005-2006: Accompanist and Teaching Assistant with Cabrillo Youth Choir 2005: Composer and Percussionist for "Oedipus Rex," Cabrillo Stage; Substitute Accompanist at St. Joseph's Church in Capitola, California 2004: Accompanist with the Santa Cruz Summer Singers 2003: Teaching Assistant for History of Western Art Music, University of California, Santa Cruz 2000-2001: Teaching Assistant and Tutor in music theory, musicianship, piano, and world music studies at Cabrillo College 1998: Began working as a freelance piano teacher and keyboard player 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

Instruments: Drums

I specifically make a plan for each student based on their need and goals. Unless the student has specific requests, I go over all the fundamental characteristics that a drummer need to have in order to play music, such as technique, time keeping, reading, and so on so forth. No matter what level or age the student is, play and study music has always to be enjoyable and fun. It's really important that the student feels always comfortable and relaxed in order to express himself at the best in every situation. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach basic stick technique using George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, and I have numerous hand exercises based on patterns from that book that I warm up with every lesson. Starting with snare drum and basic hand technique also will incorporate rhythm reading, and basic limb independence. When my students start behind the kit, they will start by applying some of those hand exercises to the drumset, and also learn how to orchestrate and play basic grooves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele

I have been teaching music since high school. I have a real organized approach to teaching that makes it easy to understand techniques and theory. I have played in many groups of all styles. The musical styles of these groups range from rock, folk, country, zydeco and blues. I have a Bachelor's degree in music from University of Massachusetts Lowell. While studying there I focused on producing and performing on recordings. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Although drumset was my first instrument, I firmly believe in developing ability and musicianship primarily with the hands first. This doesn't mean we can't play full drumset from the beginning, but I do incorporate the practice pad as part of lessons regardless of age and ability level. These students (and their parents) are paying good money, so I'm going to deliver a solid and well rounded education. We will always cover what the student is primarily interested in, but it's also important to expose him or her to new things! Read More