Drum Lessons in East Lansdowne, PA

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Djembe

In my 30 years as a drummer/musician, whether authoring, performing, or recording music, Ive consistently pushed myself to explore new styles, techniques, and approach. My first grade-shool hands were with my then-step-brother, moving from simple punk to more melodic surf-frock to lush psychedelic rock. Across increasingly noisy and experimental bands, I quickly learned to serve powerful, solid time. As we recorded our projects on the lo-fi 4-track tape machines of the day, I became increasingly responsible for not just my performance, but the shaping of my drum part in the mix. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

I use a variety of methods and am completely comfortable with giving diversified instruction to students of different age levels and skill/ability levels. I particularly enjoy giving lessons and the seeing the progression of student with Special Needs (I'm a part time para professional teaching grad 2 students with Special Needs). I keep my lessons current with a real focus on what interests the students that I teach, and tailor my teaching and their learning to what interests them. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum; all my lesson plans are customized to each individual student. Technique is very important, but no more so than being able to apply it in a musical way. My goal is to get the student up and running on their instrument quickly, applying tools and techniques from each lesson. I have found this approach makes lessons informative, interesting and fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students, I normally start with Alfred's Drum Method. This book works on the fundamentals of reading snare drum music and basic technique. Once the students grasps the basics on reading and playing with a metronome then we tend to move to Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials (while still working on the Alfred's Method). After the student has began to play with the audio tracks and have succesfully gone through a few lessons from Groove Essentials then we begin to work on some solo repertoire and personal favorites as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching style is based on providing the student with as many "light bulb" moments as possible. These moments of goals being realized are the achievements which drive students to excel and are imperative to their confidence. Students who feel stuck or unmotivated are rarely in this position as a result of limited resources, but rather the feeling of accomplishment which is the result of great effort. Everyone learns differently, but generating lessons to strengthen weaknesses and help remember previous teaching is vital when considering a student's enthusiasm for their craft. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students who are children I like to start to start learning rhythms through common children’s songs to show how easy music can be. Depending on the instrument, one of the many Hal Leonard books is always a good option. If they are a little older, I will use music that they like to teach how music theory and fundamental skills makes up all the musi they enjoy. We will often learn songs that speak to them and I will use their favorite genres to curate new songs to teach and show them new material and how it relates to their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

With all my students, I will always take interest in what they want to learn. I want to make their experience as fun as mine was when I first began. So knowing my students' musical inclinations is important to my methods, because it gives me a direction in which to apply my instruction. My younger students will start with the basic rhythm rudiments and reading notated percussion music. I am also willing to assist them in any repertoire that students are given in their school's music program. Read More