Drum Lessons in East Rockaway, NY

Instruments: Drums

My teaching methods always vary to suit the aspirations and needs of a certain student. I start off by finding out what my students like to listen to and what they want to learn from their lessons. For example, if my student was a twelve year old beginner student who wants to learn to play drums to start a rock band, then I would teach him drum grooves to his favorite songs, in order for him to be able to play it with others. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I think the most important part of teaching is developing a positive mentoring relationship to the student. My favorite teachers always went above and beyond to not only educate me on their favorite subject, but also to show me life lessons along the way and listen to my problems. Ultimately I know that not every one of my students will become a professional musician, and that is okay! I do want them to develop a positive relationship with rhythm and music, and an ability to enjoy these things in anything they listen to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

When a beginning student pushes a key down on the piano, sound comes out this is unfortunately not true with guitar. In the beginning it can be quite challenging for students to use their left hand to guide the right finger to the right string to the right position on the string while simultaneously using their right hand to guide the pick to the right string and plucking it and this is all for one note! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been playing the drums since age 10. Starting out playing rock and roll but quickly started playing Jazz, Latin, Samba, and Show Tunes. After graduating high school, I went to attend Montclair State University's Jazz program. After College I quickly got my masters degree from New York University in Jazz studies as well, where I studied with some of the most important people in modern music, including but not limited to: Lenny White, Lenny Pickett, John Scofield, Alan Ferber, Billy Dummond, Tony Moreno, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students, I like to use the Faber books or the Thompson method for piano. I also encourage students of all ages to share what they enjoy listening to and incorporate songs they enjoy as early as possible. As students progress I get into more in depth concepts in music theory and improvisation, to provide a foundation in the language of contemporary music. For more advanced students, I try to play another instrument along with them sometimes to provide a taste of what it is like to make music in a group setting. Read More

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

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and began playing piano at age 9 with the help of my older sister who also played piano. During my high school years, I focused on composition, which became my main area of study during college. Through my college training at the University of California in Santa Cruz and San Jose State University I supported myself by giving piano lessons, playing organ and piano for churches, and working as a freelance pianist. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I like my students to have fun and at the same time to see progress. Any small or big achievement can be very important for the student, such as completing a new song or a new exercise. Every small step further is important because it's a reward that makes their passion for music grow. Read More