Drum Lessons in Falmouth, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love adjusting to fit the needs of the student and am thrilled when a student turns this craft into a love or hobby! That is always my goal, to make sure that music is fun. That should be the most important facet. If it remains fun, I can always adjust my curriculum to tailor to the needs of the student. By doing so, I get to also grow as a teacher and human being! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my 1992, as I began teaching private lessons and I have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 30 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am deeply inspired by students who are eager and motivated to learn drumming. I meet each student where they are, looking and listening for the unique learning style of each student. After i access what approaches work best based on their ability level, I design a systematic practice routine based on Technique, Vocabulary, Independence, Coordination, and Musicality. If its required I can assist in writing charts for songs. Im focused on targeting the areas where improvement is needed and to encourage and challenge students to develop discipline, good habits, while striving to improve and overcome the weakness aspects of their drumming. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Steve is originally from the Binghamton, NY area and began studying drums at the age of 12 with local jazz musician Tony Monforte. He participated in the All State Orchestra and was placed on the Pro-Mark Honor Roll for young, up-and-coming drummers. Steve received a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he studied with Gordon Stout, Steve Brown, and Robert Bridge. He was selected to participate in the Henry Mancini Institute where he worked with some of the leading jazz, film, and classical musicians and composers from around the world including Terence Blanchard, Bud Shank, Christian McBride, and Jerry Goldsmith. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students: young teens , children, adults, I start them off with them just playing something whether it be a beat from a song theyve listened to and want to play. From there, I begin to introduce them to the fundamentals of time and hearing that goes into playing any kind of instrument and there can grasp those 2 keys to progress in paying drums. And for those students. I try to find out what theyre interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm a performer and educator motivated most by the flash of joy I see in students' faces when they first grasp a new musical concept. With a global perspective on music cultivated by my background performing Brazilian music and American Jazz since childhood, and further bolstered by a B.A. in Anthropology: Ethnomusicology from Ithaca College, I have been a full time touring musician for the last 10 years. In addition to mainstage festival appearances all over the country, I have been lucky enough to teach clinics and master classes in percussion at top conservatories and universities such as Oberlin College & Georgetown University, as well as workshops in high schools, middle schools, & elementary schools all over the US. Read More