Drum Lessons in East Rutherford, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

Although it is important that my students progress at their own pace, I suggest practicing as many 20 minute sessions possible daily, for research has shown that the mind can concentrate most clearly for that length of time. My lessons include Music Theory, Ear Training and Rhythmic Studies in order to save lots of time, by nurturing excellent Musicianship, in addition to learning the instrument, through practicing correctly. I am also an expert at introducing correct playing habits, by instructing students with regards to proper embouchure, breathing and Circular Breathing techniques, as necessary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

My teaching style caters to each students needs. Exercises can be created and personalized to accomplish certain goals such as chop building and accuracy drills, or pattern recognition. My lessons are typically broken down into segments. Starting with ear training drills/music theory, warm up/scales, etude practice, and improvisation/free play at the end. The music theory will use "The Jazz Piano Book" by Mark Levine as a reference along with Berklee Theory 1-4 The songs that we learn can be picked by you! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I learned some chords on Guitar from my hippy uncle. After a few weeks, I started teaching him, and he is 60 years old. Point is, he would listen to songs on the radio like songs from The Beatles and then teach me them. I would hear the chords and realize that he might be playing a similar chord, but not the exact chord. I would play the chord for him and then he would be impressed. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

Depending on the level and specific interests of the student, I garner my curriculum towards their needs. For beginners, I start with Alfred's beginning drum method, and as they progress I incorporate my own additions to the material, as well as digging into the interests of the student. I am big on sharing recordings with students and introducing them to worlds of music they have likely not heard before. Depending on which areas the student naturally gravitates towards, I adjust the amount of time I spend on different areas, while never compromising the fundamentals of learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students who DON'T own or have access to a drum set I try to start with basic snare drum technique which can be played either on a snare drum or a practice pad.  For students who DO own or have regular access to a full set of drums I like to get them on the drum set as soon as posible playing along with songs they like, again encouraging personal discovery and fun! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I draw attention to the importance of listening and help the student identify what to listen for. There is nothing more frustrating than practicing a particular fill 1000 times, only to later realize you've been practicing it incorrectly. This is very common among drummers young and old, but is easily dealt with by simply cultivating a sense of listening and apt imitation. However, I do not endorse perfectionism as a means of effective learning either, and I also will remind the student of the fact that sometimes when you're jamming,even if what what you're playing is not perfect, it's "good enough for rock and roll." This is part of the attitude of rock and roll that I feel is conducive to better, faster learning: a willingness to make mistakes, acknowledge them, learn from them, and move on. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

Born in Bogot, Colombia, I started playing piano at an early age, but soon after I discovered my true passion for percussion instruments. After completing my studies at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogot, I won a scholarship to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I graduated from Berklee with a dual degree, cum laude, in Contemporary Composition Production as well as Jazz Drumset Performance. Since coming to the Unites States, I have performed in major venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; and the Detroit Jazz Festival, among others. Read More