Drum Lessons in Danbury, CT

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: 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

In creating a unique curriculum for a student on any instrument, it is important that I find out the following information: What does the student enjoy about music already? What kind of music does the student enjoy already? What does the student want to do with music (i.e. play in a rock band, perform a NYSSMA solo, qualify for marching band, etc...). What are the parents'/guardians' expectations for the student? Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

A New York native and life-long professional drummer, I played Dvorak at Carnegie Hall, punk and ska music at CBGB's and classic rock at Wetlands in NYC all during high school. After furthering my studies in percussion performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, I founded progressive jazz quartet Schleigho, hit the road in 1991 and toured nationally until 2004 , releasing 5 CD's and playing over 3000 shows with the likes of jazz great John Scofield, funk legend Maceo Parker and rock icons The Allman Bothers Band, who signed them in 1998 to their record label, Flying Frog Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

But once this stage is mastered, things become much simpler. I start off lessons slowly with simple technical studies where the student can focus specifically on technique to efficiently and confidently. To help support this stage I typically introduce basic note reading skills to acquaint the students with musical notation while introducing them to playing in time. Once the student reaches foundational proficiency we can finally start to have some fun! Read More

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

I love seeing my students develop a passion for music! That is why I make sure each student progresses at their own pace by setting realistic goals for each lesson. I always acknowledge a student when they practice very hard and ask great questions. By understanding what the student wants out of the lesson, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I recently have been teaching elementary general music as well as directing a middle school choir and orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began my musical journey on the drums, which quickly led me to the guitar and bass guitar as well, all three of which I studied with Matt Thompson in Frederick, MD. In high school, I ended up gravitating towards the bass as my primary instrument, and a growing interest in jazz caused me to add the upright bass to my collection of instruments. Little did I know that this would become an even bigger obsession of mine! Read More