Drum Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music

I began to play music at age 9. My mom gave my sister a x22number keyboardx22 with x22number music booksx22 for Christmas but she never touched it. I grew curious and approached the keyboard and after quickly deciphering how the numbers system worked burned the entire book in two months enabling myself to play pretty advanced songs.After a few years, I became fascinated with James Brown's music and that's when I knew I wanted to experiment with drums. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I would describe my teaching style as firm, even strict at times, but never mean or dry. Enjoyment, weather that be in the form of accomplishment, fulfillment, or just plain fun, is the key for success! Although I do think every student needs to know about certain aspects of playing and listening, every student is going to have different ideas of where they want to go with drums and music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching style adapts to the necessity, interest and pace of the students. If you are more interested in building a technique playing we can get very methodical studying from the books but if you really want to play, we are gonna play! A big part of my teaching is playing with the students or creating sequences (play alongs) so the student practices music in context. It could be frustrating and boring when technique is de-contextualized. Read More

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

My methods of teaching have been refined over the years and I've found it that methods of teaching have to be tailored to each student. For every lesson I develop a lesson plan that organizes the lesson so there is no time wasted. As I get to know the student more, I develop a lesson plan specific to the student and work on the things that need work but as well as to keep the student motivated by performing and memorizing. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

To become a better musician, we need to look honestly at where we stand in our development and do the work necessary to overcome technical issues. I believe that most issues are best addressed by carefully working on the instrument’s fundamentals. In my classes I focus on building up strong foundations and, from there, give the student the necessary tools to develop confidence in the instrument and the ability to perform any style of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I've been teaching all kids and adults for over 15 years. I 'm awesome with kids (so the parents have told me!)... I don't adhere to any rigid format. I work with what level and progression suits you, and I'm super-easy to get along with. Also, I believe in positive reinforcement. There are some old school teachers who sometimes degrade a pupil when they're not doing an exercise correctly. I don't teach like it's the ancient Roman Byzantine era, where teachers would slap a student's hand with a riding crop! Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Drums

Practice is ideal for each student. I encourage my students in their practicing. Progress will be made most quickly by those students who maintain the recommended practicing time (1 hour per day). Parents are also encouraged to be involved in their students practice. Taking the time to listen to your child play their weekly songs, or creating a set time for practicing in the students daily routine are good ways to become involved. Read More