Drum Lessons in Derby, CT

Instruments: Drums

While at MSM, Ryan worked at Motts Hall II as a percussion teacher for their outreach program. After graduation, he would perform with Phil Markowitz, Jimmy Bruno, Zach Brock, and John Escreet and become a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Notable past performances include a month-long residency in Shanghai for Lincoln Center, Boston Celebrity Series, Jordan Hall, Umbria Jazz, and EFG London Jazz Festival. Ryan is currently working as the primary drummer for the New York-based improv group Altus, and leading his band, the Ryan Sands Trio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

This is a technique that drummers have been using for decades to achieve power, efficiency, and fluidity on the drums. Level 4 is where you’ll take your technical abilities to a new level, begin to play in different time signatures, and start exploring new rhythmic concepts like half-time feels and filling over the barline. You’ll also be introduced to jazz, blues, and rock ballads, in addition to learning how to develop musicality within each new style. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Most of the private lessons that I have taught since this time have been for drum set, as that is the more commonly desired area of study for many students seeking private lessons. Of the group lessons I have taught since high school, all of them have been in a school environment, yet have spanned every age and ability of music student. In my career thus far, I have worked with students who were just entering kindergarten, and students who were already in college for percussion, and I have enjoyed each situation equally. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

It's important to set realistic goals, I will assign short things to work on per week. I can tailor my instruction to the needs of any student by listening to their wants and needs. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so remaining patient and being able to work together to become successful is key! I find that sometimes it is best to find out from the student what makes them most excited about playing the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

We start with the basics like how to hold the drum sticks, how to read music, and how to start playing some simple basic beats. Then things become more tailored to the specific drumming needs. For example, if you are trying to learn the drums for a jazz ensemble, we can practice jazz songs together. On the other hand, if you are in a punk band we could start learning some covers and then I can teach you to write your own punk songs! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have been teaching for 8 years, getting my start in my home town of Nyack, NY teaching jazz combos and private lessons at the Nyack Summer Music Camp. Since then, I taught private lessons to students of all abilities at Oberlin for 5 years, I was a staff teacher at the Avon School of Music in Avon, Ohio, I was a music instructor and counselor at Camp Encore/Coda in Maine, as well as other camps more local to NY, and I am currently an employee of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, where I am teaching music to kids at P.S 246. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

My teaching experience actually began when I was a teenager, when I taught my little brother drum set; he became adept enough to form his own rock band when he was a teen! I have been performing for over 40 years. I started my teaching career over 15 years ago.Drums have been my life, and it gives me great pleasure to introduce these skills to young people and adults, and help them express themselves and become proficient, confident drummers.. Read More